With a scheduled hip replacement booked in at our Practice Plus Group Hospital in Barlborough, David, 71, a retired Navy Officer, began to consider how he might get to his appointment – his wife doesn’t drive and the hospital is 20 miles from his home. Fortunately for him, the hospital had just launched a new Patient Transport Service so he was able to travel to and from his surgery with ease.
David says: “I’m usually really active and love to walk. Six months ago I’d noticed that my hip was becoming increasingly painful on my walks and sitting down for five minutes for a break was no longer helping. As my hip got more painful and I couldn’t get about, I decided to contact my GP.
“After some x-rays it was very clear that my hip had deteriorated badly as the interpretation was passed to me in a tone of voice similar to the one you hear when you take your failing car to see a mechanic! I was quickly triaged and all set to have a hip replacement on the NHS with Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough as it was felt they might have the shortest waiting list in the area. However, at my pre-op appointment, the hip consultant found that my blood pressure was too high and the operation was postponed until it had reduced to a safe level.
“I was delighted when I was told I could have my surgery within 4-6 weeks…The team were very helpful and even offered a complimentary transport service to the hospital and back for my surgery.”
David, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough hip replacement patient
“By the time my blood pressure was corrected, NHS waiting lists had increased. I was now facing a further four months wait minimum for a new hip. At this point I decided that I had already started down the journey with the Practice Plus Group team and was eager to get my hip replaced as soon as possible. I enquired about having my treatment privately with them using their Wellsoon service and booked an appointment.
“I was delighted when I was told I could have my surgery within 4-6 weeks, which was fantastic news as I was keen to get back out walking and enjoying my retirement again. The team were very helpful and even offered a complimentary patient transport service to the hospital and back – around 20 miles away – for my surgery. This was welcome news as I was beginning to worry about who might take me to and from the hospital as my wife does not drive.
“Their patient transport service is a great concept. There was no issue with arranging pick up times as the hospital liaise directly with the driver. I didn’t have to worry about when he would be available to take me home either and could stay in hospital as long as I needed to. It all worked perfectly. It was especially reassuring that the driver had a medical background so he could completely understand what I was going through. This made it so much better when I went home after the operation as he could advise me on a few tips to manoeuvre myself into the house and start the recovery process.
“I have been really happy with the team from Practice Plus Group Hospital Barlborough. My operation went really well and my consultant Mr Springer was excellent. It’s been a bit of a shock getting about on crutches and I have some spectacular bruising, which is very common. I have been given an extensive programme of exercises to aid recovery and will have follow-up physio appointments at the hospital. I’m pleased that I could have the operation so quickly privately and not have to wait months to be able to enjoy my favourite walks again.”
Free transport service for knee or hip replacement patients
Introducing the Wellsoon patient transport service to make your experience with us as relaxing and safe as possible.
You and your companion can travel to and from Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough for your surgery in a comfortable and spacious vehicle. The friendly drivers have been thoroughly trained to safely assist patients, and they’ll carry your hospital bags, with a smile! The transport service is free to patients within a 50 mile radius of Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, who are booked for knee or hip replacement surgery.
