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.
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.
“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.”
Nurul Ahad, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford
The first patient to benefit from the new VR surgery experience at the hospital was Tony Wakeling, 66, from Ilford, who underwent a full knee replacement after suffering for years with arthritis. Previously anxious about surgery, he described the VR headset as a transformative part of his care:
“I’ve been struggling with my knee for years. I’ve got arthritis and since about 2000 it’s become a bit of a nuisance and very painful. I couldn’t get up the stairs properly and it’s stopped me doing the things I enjoy. I used to love walking. I’d go on a Sunday for a five or six mile walk to keep active, and I was no longer able to do that. I was down to about three or four hundred yards.
“I’m actually retired. I help at a garage now and then, so for five hours I’m on my feet. Although the pain was bad, I’d been put off having surgery years ago after a colleague complained about his own experience. But I needn’t have worried and wish I’d done it sooner now.
“I’ve just had a full knee replacement at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford. I opted for a spinal anaesthetic where I’m numbed from the waist down but still conscious, which was amazing. I didn’t want a general anaesthetic where they put you out. Although I was still a little nervous, I’d planned to bring my headphones into theatre to listen to music during the procedure. But when my Consultant, Mr Nurul Ahad, saw them, he explained that the hospital had launched a new initiative to trial Virtual Reality technology during surgery. As someone with some pre-operative anxiety, I was considered an ideal candidate to be the first patient at the hospital to experience the new VR system during a spinal procedure – and I was more than happy to give it a try.
“I have seen VR sets where they used to clip on to a phone but I hadn’t seen one like that. It was truly amazing and comfortable to wear throughout my procedure. I was given a controller and able to pick what I wanted to watch. Mr Ahad demonstrated it to me with a calm video where I could virtually walk through a park, but I chose to watch a couple of YouTube videos about the war instead – one of my interests. It meant I didn’t hear anything going on in the theatre and it really put me at ease. 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.
“I’m so glad my GP referred me to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford for NHS surgery four months ago – I couldn’t have asked for a better service or faster-access. Although they treat private patients they see NHS patients too, so I feel very lucky to have been treated so quickly when I know many people wait years.
“It’s been so pleasant here. The staff are always all smiling, laughing and joking and really looking after patients. It’s been amazing, everyone, morning, noon and night. My consultant, Nurul Ahad was fantastic – the kind way he looked after me was almost like a friendship. It didn’t feel like a doctor-patient relationship. I couldn’t sit here and tell you one thing they could have done better.
“I’m now looking forward to getting back to my old self and walking again. I’m hoping to get back to a couple of miles, being able to walk to the coffee shop. My aim is to get back on my feet and get back to moving around. Because although I’m older now, up until the point when my knee gave up, I didn’t feel old. And I want to go back to not feeling old. Now I’ve had surgery, I’m fully confident that I will get back to that. Thank you so much to all the team – and to the VR headset. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Reported clinical studies* support Tony’s experience. A low and steady heart rate during surgery is a strong indicator of reduced anxiety and a calm state – which not only improves comfort but also enhances surgical outcomes. Lower heart rates reduce strain on the heart, stabilise blood pressure, may reduce bleeding, and can even support faster recovery.
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.
