Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford has trialled a new Virtual Reality (VR) experience for joint surgery patients this week, with early results suggesting the innovation could soon become a standard choice for its patients.
“I was considered an ideal candidate to be the first patient at the hospital to experience the new VR system…The surgery flew by and I was surprised when they told me it was all finished. I would definitely recommend using a VR to all patients. After this trial, hopefully it becomes part of the options for every patient.”
Tony Wakeling, knee replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford
Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Nurul Ahad at Practice Plus Group Hospital has been inspired by growing evidence reported about the benefits of VR during procedures using spinal anaesthetic and was keen to bring the experience to his patients in Ilford. So far, several patients have successfully trialled the technology during orthopaedic surgery under spinal anaesthetic, with more booked in over the coming weeks.
The VR headset offers patients a calming, immersive experience where they can choose what they watch during surgery such as virtual nature walks, a calming beach scene or YouTube videos which reflect their interests. By doing so, it has shown to reduce anxiety, lower heart rates during surgery and provides a welcome distraction for patients.
Nurul Ahad, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford
“The use of the VR headset during procedures at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford has been a game-changer for some patients. It’s helped to significantly reduce their anxiety by creating a calming distraction during surgeries performed under local anaesthetic.”
Mr Ahad explained: “The use of the VR headset during procedures at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford has been a game-changer for some patients. It’s helped to significantly reduce their anxiety by creating a calming distraction during surgeries performed under local anaesthetic. Patients say they are more relaxed during the immersive experience – which has resulted in less pre-op anxiety and a welcome distraction in theatre. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that adds real value to the overall care we provide. Surgery can now literally be a walk in the park!”
The new VR experience is currently being offered to suitable patients in Mr Ahad’s care undergoing surgery like hip or knee replacements. Following overwhelmingly positive feedback, the hospital hopes to roll it out more widely in future – both for NHS patients and those who choose its Wellsoon private healthcare service.
Hear from Tony, knee patient, on trailing the new VR headset during surgery
Hospital Director, Mark Gilmour, welcomed the initiative, saying: “There’s been a real buzz about this new trial in the hospital from staff and patients alike. It’s a brilliant example of how small changes can make a big difference. We’re proud to support innovation that helps patients feel more comfortable, confident and cared for. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking practice we’re proud to champion at Practice Plus Group. Currently, patients who are booked in with Mr Ahad will have the option to choose a VR-headset experience under spinal anaesthetic and in the future we hope to be able to roll the initiative out more widely.”
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford, continues to help reduce NHS waiting lists in routine procedures such as hip and knee surgery, general surgery such as hernia repair, endoscopy, diagnostics and cataract surgery. Private patients can book consultations directly with Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group, and NHS patients can ask their GP for a referral to the hospital.
