When Rich Walker, 53, from Seer Green, Buckinghamshire, began suffering excruciating gallstone attacks, he knew delays in getting treatment could affect both his health and his job, which involves frequent long-haul travel. Keen to get better as soon as possible, he started looking into NHS hospitals with shorter waiting lists as he knew that he had a legal right to ‘patient choice’ in the NHS. When a family member mentioned that the new Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham had zero NHS waiting list, he says it was a no-brainer and quickly made enquiries.
“Fast access to NHS surgery in Birmingham saved my job – and my health.”
Rich Walker, gallbladder removal patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
Rich says: “I ended up in A&E late one night in April with intense back and chest pain. After tests, they found it was gallstones. I was discharged the next day with painkillers and was added to the local waiting list. The surgeon who discharged me told me it wasn’t urgent and that I should try managing the condition through a low-fat diet. He did, however, write me a referral letter for surgery elsewhere.”
Richard had several flare ups in the following days, he adds:
“I was seriously worried. Every flare-up meant I couldn’t travel, and flying is a huge part of my job both short and long haul. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get travel insurance with my condition, and the risk of another attack abroad was huge, both financially and health-wise. I didn’t have private medical cover and couldn’t afford to wait months on an NHS list either. I felt a bit panicked by the situation knowing my job would be on the line.
“Then I heard about Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham – a new private hospital that also accepted NHS patients, but because it was new it had no waiting list. I called, explained my situation and mentioned the letter from the surgeon. They offered me an appointment just a few days later to see a consultant.
“I was seriously worried. Every flare-up meant I couldn’t travel, and flying in a huge part of my job both short and long haul. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get travel insurance with my condition, and the risk of another attack abroad was huge, both financially and health-wise…I felt a bit panicked by the situation knowing my job would be on the line.”
Rich Walker, gallbladder removal patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
“My wife drove me to Birmingham. It was an easy 1.5-hour drive, mostly motorway. The hospital was spotless and very welcoming. I had blood and urine tests, saw the consultant, and was told I could have surgery within 2–4 weeks. I was so relieved. From my first A&E trip to having the surgery, it was only five weeks – unbelievable. I knew I would’ve waited for over 6 months for surgery at my local hospital so I didn’t mind the extra miles to travel to a hospital which could treat me sooner.
“The surgery was straightforward. I went up to theatre at 11:30am, was back in my room by 3:30pm, and went home the same day after a meal. My wife drove us back which was a smooth journey until the last stretch into our village where roadworks made it a bit bumpy just as the painkillers were wearing off! But once home, I rested, kept to plain foods, and avoided flying for four weeks as advised.
“I had a follow-up four weeks later, got the all-clear, and flew straight to South Africa the next week for work.
“The service was amazing. Honestly, I think if it hadn’t have been for the speed I was treated in Birmingham, I would have lost my job. I’ve had private treatment before, and I can honestly say this NHS experience with Practice Plus Group was far superior. More people need to know about NHS patient choice – you don’t have to go to your local hospital if the waiting list is too long. And you could be lucky like me and get NHS treatment in a fantastic private facility!”
