59-year-old Chris Newberry who lives near Truro in Cornwall, decided to use his private medical insurance before retiring for a long-overdue hip replacement.
“Everything was smooth, well-organised, and stress-free. Practice Plus group made the process effortless – from using my private insurance to the care I received throughout.”
Chris Newberry, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
“I’d lived with hip pain for many years” says Chris. “I was told at 29 that I had osteoarthritis, wear and tear due to the amount of sport I played. When voluntary redundancy came up at work, I thought, now’s the time to use my private medical insurance while I still had it”
Initially, Chris was referred to a private hospital in Cornwall, but the consultation left him unconvinced. “It lasted about 90 seconds and I just didn’t feel confident,” he says. “I knew someone at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham and contacted them for advice. She said they took private insurance, so I asked AXA for a referral. It was approved the same day.”
Although Practice Plus Group also has a hospital in Plymouth, Chris chose Birmingham after hearing good things about consultant Mr Dehne, who specialises in hip replacements. “My friend said he was excellent and would be a good choice for me, so I was happy to travel. I’d also heard that Dr Hilary Jones had his surgery there too, so I knew it was a good choice!”
Because Chris was travelling from Cornwall, the hospital arranged for all his pre-operative tests to be done in one visit. “That really helped. Everything was organised perfectly. They even spotted that my blood pressure was very high, contacted my GP straight away, and I was on medication the next day. It probably prevented a bigger problem.”
“Within three weeks (of surgery) I was back playing golf, although I did use a buggy. I have had many comments on how quickly I have recovered, with many saying they wouldn’t have known, even after only seven days out of surgery”
Chris Newberry, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
Chris had his surgery under spinal anaesthetic. “It was a strange experience being awake, hearing the sounds of the operation, but the team were brilliant. I felt totally at ease. Afterwards, the nurses were great – apart from a bit of sickness from one of the pain meds, it all went smoothly.”
He was up on crutches almost immediately. “I even suggested getting the train home the next day! The staff looked horrified,” he laughs. “They advised me to get a lift instead, and they were right. My journey back to Cornwall was fine.”
Recovery, he says, has been amazing: “I think it’s all about mindset. My consultant said early movement really helps, so I followed the physio plan, kept active, and within three days I was walking to the shops without crutches. Within three weeks I was back playing golf, although i did use a buggy. I have had many comments on how quickly I have recovered, with many saying they wouldn’t have known, even after only seven days out of surgery”
Looking back, Chris says the experience “far exceeded” his expectations.
“Everything was smooth, well-organised and stress-free. Practice Plus Group made the process effortless – from using my private insurance to the care I received throughout. I’ve already recommended them to friends. And it’s great that the same high-quality treatment is available on the NHS if you ask your GP for a referral through patient choice.”
Now, with his new hip, Chris is embracing retirement to the fullest. “I’m pain-free, active, and looking forward to what’s next. I might even take up surfing – why not? I’m just glad I had my hip done when I did.”
