Derrick Clarke, 63, a former Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) soldier who served in the Falklands War, the first Gulf War and Bosnia, spends his post-service life working as a carpenter at a private school. His job keeps him on the move – climbing ladders, repairing buildings, and handling heavy materials – but as his hip deteriorated, the pain became unbearable.
“I’ve got my independence back. The hospital’s understanding, efficiency, and compassion demonstrated by its team that includes fellow servicemen and women is second to none.”
Derrick Clarke, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
“I was in constant, agonising pain,” Derrick said. “I’d been on my local hospital’s waiting list for over six months with no surgery date in sight. I could barely move, and I couldn’t walk my dogs anymore.”
Through veteran charity Stepway, Derrick discovered he could transfer his NHS referral to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham which had a waiting list of weeks not months for both NHS and private patients. The hospital is part of a growing independent healthcare network working closely with the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).
“Within a week of my GP referring me to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, I’d had my consultation, X-rays and tests,” he said. “Three weeks later, I was in surgery. From start to finish, everyone treated me with kindness and respect – it was like being with family.”
Following his left hip replacement, performed by orthopaedic consultant, Kenan Dehne, Derrick is now walking pain-free again and looking forward to returning to work.
“I’ve got my independence back,” he said. “The hospital’s understanding, efficiency and compassion demonstrated by its team that includes fellow servicemen and women is second to none.”
In addition to NHS patient choice, Derrick highlights the Veterans Charter as another important resource for veterans. The charter sets out the commitment that veterans should receive priority access to healthcare for conditions related to their service – yet, he says, too few hospitals recognise or act on it.
“There’s a charter in place saying veterans shouldn’t be left behind – but I think a lot of hospitals don’t know about it or just ignore it,” he said. “Practice Plus Group fully embraces it. You can see the posters around the hospital showing it’s veteran friendly, and you feel it in how you’re treated. Everyone just gets it.”
