A guide to the best private hospitals in Somerset

Somerset hospital map – where are the hospitals located?

The map below shows the locations of hospitals in Somerset. Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet is shown as a large purple pin.

Why choose a private hospital in Somerset?

When looking for private hospitals in the UK, it’s crucial to choose a provider known for its high-quality care, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive support. If you’ve cranked up the laptop and are ready to do some research, remember to look at patient reviews, facilities, and the quality of care.

In Shepton Mallet, NHS and private surgeries are performed by highly-qualified consultants. This ensures exceptional standards of care whichever healthcare route you decide to take. It also means that, ultimately, your choice may depend on factors like waiting times, cost, and personal preferences.

Surgery costs in Somerset

The table below gives you an idea of the costs of private surgery at different hospitals in Somerset. For more information on private surgery costs, check out our dedicated page.

Surgery waiting lists in Somerset

No-one likes to wait. So, let’s face it, along with price, hospital waiting times near you are likely to be one of the most important things to consider when researching Shepton Mallet hospitals.

Waiting lists will differ quite dramatically between NHS and private healthcare facilities. For example, at the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust hospital, the current wait for an initial orthopaedic consultation is 24 weeks (six months)¹.

Compared with Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, the waiting time for hip replacement is much shorter. In fact, you’ll have your surgery just 4-6 weeks after your initial consultation. In terms of availability for the consultation itself, this usually takes place within two weeks of your booking enquiry.

Top private hospitals in Somerset, UK

While rich in rural beauty, Somerset doesn’t boast the same in an abundance of private hospitals. In fact, the following is a list of private healthcare facilities in the county:

• Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet
• Sulis Hospital, Bath
• Taunton Hospital, Nuffield Health.

The Sulis Hospital is in the county’s capital of Bath which is situated in the North. Taunton Hospital is down in the South East while Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet can be found much more centrally. It is, therefore, easily accessible by road, rail, and public transport.

Patient experiences and reviews

We take our patients’ feedback very seriously and to make sure we’re providing the best care possible, we regularly compile and post reviews.

To learn about our past patients’ experiences at Shepton Mallet, take a look at the testimonials below or read our patient reviews.

Shepton Mallet hospital reviews

Enough from us, have a look and a listen to what our past patients have to say about us.

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Shepton Mallet patient testimonials

• Read Mike’s cataract story
• Hear about Ian’s hip replacement
• Learn about Valerie’s cataract surgery
• Read about Daniel’s experience

Comparing private and NHS healthcare in Somerset

In Somerset, NHS and private surgeries are performed by highly-qualified orthopaedic surgeons. This ensures exceptional standards of care whichever healthcare route you decide to take. It also means that, ultimately, your choice may depend on factors such as:

• Waiting times – private healthcare facilities will more than likely boast much shorter waiting times than their NHS counterparts. Increased waiting lists due to population growth and COVID backlogs all contribute to having to wait longer for surgery with the NHS.
• Cost – of course, shorter waiting times come at a cost. The price of private surgery depends on which provider you choose and the type of treatment you need. At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, we are proud to say our treatments are up to 30% more affordable than our counterparts.
• Personal preferences – different strokes for different folks! Some people may wish to stick with a provider they’ve previously had positive experiences with. Others will shop around and base their choice on location, cost, or waiting time.

Orthopaedic surgeons in Somerset

As with any county in the UK, Somerset boasts plenty of orthopaedic consultants capable of carrying out your treatment.

Our Consultants page provides more information or take a look at the consultants carousel below.

What to expect at Shepton Mallet Hospital

So, we’ve covered the facilities and waiting times at various ‘Somersetian’ medical facilities. Now, it’s time to take a closer look at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet.

Getting there

Finding us at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet is easy.

There are a number of ways to travel to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet. These include public transport, by road, and by train.

Public transport
The number 776 bus stops near the hospital on St Peter’s Road.

By car
If you’re coming from the north, you’ll likely travel down the A37. From the east, you’ll need to use the A361 and follow the signs once you arrive in Shepton Mallet.

By train
Castle Cary train station is a 20 minute taxi ride away, or there is plenty of free on-site parking at the hospital.

When you arrive please register at reception so we know you’re here. A member of staff will collect you for your appointment.

Our address is: Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, Old Wells Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4LP.

Treatments offered

So, you’ve got a bit of context around the hospital, now it’s time to look at the surgical treatments at Shepton Mallet. The following are all available at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet.

Cataract surgery in Shepton Mallet
During cataract surgery, the old cloudy lens is removed with an ultrasonic probe and a new clear artificial lens is inserted in its place, which restores vision. You are able to choose the type of cataract lens that is right for you.

Knee surgery in Shepton Mallet, Somerset
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged knee with an artificial joint shaped to allow continued motion of the knee. This is a common operation that can help to relieve pain and restore mobility.

During the procedure, the damaged cartilage is removed and replaced with metal implants. These are often cemented into the bone. A plastic spacer is then inserted between the metal components to create a smooth surface. In 2020, our Shepton Mallet facility garnered national praise for expertise in knee replacement surgery.

Hip surgery in Shepton Mallet
As with other joint replacement surgery, an artificial hip takes the place of the hip joint. This entails removing the worn out joint and replacing it with a new hip with the aim of providing the patient with a better quality of life.

Hernia surgery in Shepton Mallet
Hernia surgery is considered a major procedure. Surgery always requires anaesthesia – whether local or general – and sees a surgeon correct the bulge causing the issue.

Carpal tunnel surgery in Shepton Mallet
The transverse carpal ligament, which is the roof of the carpal tunnel, is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. In most cases, this type of surgery provides a complete cure.

There are two types of surgical procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome:

• open release: the surgeon makes an incision in the wrist to access the carpal tunnel
• endoscopic release: a thin flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the wrist through the incision. This method isn’t widely used nowadays.

Facilities

Along with state-of-the-art medical equipment, our hospital also offers:

• free parking
• free wifi, TV and phone calls
• award winning on-site cafe for fresh meals
• single en-suite room or a same-sex shared en-suite room
• a relaxing, comfortable environment.

Recovery and aftercare

Your recovery path will depend on the type of treatment you received. For example, if you had a hip replacement, you’ll be taken to the recovery room where you’ll be encouraged to mobilise as soon as possible. If the surgeon is satisfied, you may even be able to return home on the same day. For some, this is the reality but for others, a short hospital stay is needed. If you do need to stay in hospital, that’s not a problem. Our specialist nursing team will be on-hand to support you.

Whichever procedure you received, when you do return home, you will need to take it easy for a while. You will likely have been issued with painkillers to help manage any discomfort. If you’re a knee or hip surgery patient, you’ll also be given a physio plan to follow. This will be devised with face-to-face sessions with a professional. You should make every effort to attend these classes as they play a crucial role in successfully recovering from a hip replacement.

How to choose the right private hospital near you

Along with being the only private healthcare provider in the Shepton Mallet area, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet boasts the following:

• short waiting lists – have your surgery in just 4-6 weeks from initial consultation
• first-class consultants – receive top-quality care from highly experienced professionals
• competitive, transparent pricing – we’re up to 30% more affordable than other private healthcare providers

Sources and references

¹ My Planned Care Somerset NHS Trust

Acknowledgements