Celebrating 20 years of care and community engagement with Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet
Happy 20th Anniversary, Shepton Mallet!
This year, we celebrate a truly special milestone for Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet: 20 years of delivering high-quality, safe, and patient-focused care to their community.
Since opening our doors in 2005, we have proudly welcomed thousands of patients, supported their journeys to better health, and grown alongside a team of incredible professionals, many of whom have been with us from the very beginning. Opening as a single specialty treatment centre to its current role as a key provider of a wide range of elective services, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet has grown into a hub of clinical excellence.
Whether you are a patient who has walked through our doors, a member of staff who has helped someone heal, or someone considering joining our team, this anniversary is a moment for all of us.
It’s a celebration of trust, of progress, and of the people who make Shepton Mallet what it is: a place where patient’s wellbeing always comes first.
A journey of growth and commitment
When we first opened, Shepton Mallet hospital was a small treatment centre, offering a limited range of services. Over the years, the hospital expanded its services beyond orthopaedics, endoscopy, and general surgery to include ENT, gynaecology, urology, pain management, and more recently, wet AMD treatments. From re-contracting success stories to pandemic response efforts, the staff at Shepton Mallet has shown resilience, adaptability, and commitment to the local community.
Along the way, we’ve achieved big milestones earning:
- Gold accreditation for aseptic technique (NTT)
- Bronze Provider status from the NJR (National Joint Registry)
- A consistent ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
But the true measure of our success is and has always been the smiles of patients as they return to health and the success stories of our employees unlocking their best work life!
A culture and success story built on people
What makes our hospital truly special is the people. Many of our team members have been with us close to two decades.
Heidi Soderlin, Head of Clinical Services, celebrates 20 years of her career with here at Shepton Mallet hospital. She says,
“When I joined in 2005, I had no idea what life would bring my way. Now, nearly 20 years on, I can happily say that I have enjoyed what I have accomplished over these past few years, and I love my work. Every time I felt ready for more, the team offered me the next step right here at Shepton. So, I didn’t have to look elsewhere.”
These stories are not just reflections of individual journeys, but shared chapters in the hospital’s own evolution.
Lawrence (Precy) Carmel, Senior MSK Physiotherapist, has worked at Shepton Mallet Hospital for 16 years. He says:
“Winning the LaingBuisson Award for Falls Prevention in 2014 was a proud moment for our team. But what truly stays with me is a patient with advanced Parkinson’s who walked again independently after surgery. That moment was unforgettable.”
Charmaine Clegg, Operations Manager, reflects on 15 years at Shepton Mallet Hospital. She shares:
“With two young children, I needed a local job. I started as a bank healthcare assistant but then things just progressed.
I moved into reception, then into bookings, and eventually became patient services manager. In 2020, I became Operations Manager. I’ve had some really good mentors, a supportive manager and doors opened for me. I was really lucky, really.”
Here, the journey is about a shared belief in what’s possible when people are supported to grow.
Claire Regester, Secondary Care Resuscitation Lead and ODP, shares:
“I’ve been here for 17 years and that to me, is always a really good sign we’re doing something right.
I’ve worked across both the NHS and independent sector, so I know how different they can be. I’ve always been proud of this place, and of the people I work with. That’s what makes the difference. I don’t see myself anywhere else. I’ll probably retire at Practice Plus Group.”
Looking Ahead
Hospital Director Catherine Farr reflects on this milestone:
“I’m incredibly proud. It seems like a long time, but it’s gone so quickly. To still be here, still delivering exceptional care with low wait times in today’s environment. That’s something to truly celebrate.”
We are currently undergoing a modernisation programme, improving our theatre and outpatient areas, and expanding diagnostic services; all to meet the evolving needs of our patients.
As we honour the past, we look ahead to the next chapter with the same heart, same vision, and same promise to our community.