Last updated 1 May 2026
Hip replacement patient and active Grandma, Sue Bateman, from Gloucestershire, has a total of 16 grandchildren and enjoys being able to help out with childcare. When her hip got really painful, she was finding she was not able to be as active or rush about with the children like she usually could.
Sue Bateman shares her experience of hip treatment via Wellsoon using Private Medical Insurance at Practice Plus Group
“Before I had my hip operation, I was in a lot of pain but [was] determined not to have a hip replacement as I was worried about the impact it might have on me and the family.”
Sue Bateman, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green
Sue, 74, who runs a swimming pool business with husband Rob, says having her hip replacement in Bristol under her private medical insurance has given her back her life and has never felt in such good shape. Ten months on from her operation she regularly trains with her PT daughter and attends weekly Pilates and yoga sessions – as well as being on hand to babysit or spend time with her older grandchildren.
Sue says: “Before I had my hip operation, I used to pop pills before walking the dogs. I was in a lot of pain, but determined not to have a hip replacement as I was worried about the impact it might have on me and the family and concerned about the recovery.
“I was booked in for an operation [with Oliver Blocker] quicker than expected – a matter of weeks. I had the operation on a Saturday and was home 24 hours later.”
Sue Bateman, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green
“As the pain started to increase, my family ganged up on me and urged me to do something about my hip. They could see it was really affecting me day-to-day and advised me to use my Aviva health insurance for the op. I was referred to Wellsoon from Practice Plus Hospital Emersons Green by my insurance company. I was pleased, as I knew it was a great hospital from when I’d had a minor op there a few years before.
“From making the initial enquiry it was all so quick, I didn’t have time to worry at all. I met with a super hip consultant in Bristol who was such a lovely man and put me at ease straight away. Everything was so slick. He took a look at my scans and also wanted to see an x-ray, so I had one done on the spot. He told me there was no avoiding it, I needed an operation as my hip was literally bone-on-bone.
“After a little more reassurance, I was booked in for an operation quicker than I expected – a matter of a few weeks. I had the operation on a Saturday at 5pm and was home 24 hours later, where my husband Rob, took care of me and was devoted to my recovery for the full six weeks.
“Gradually I went back to work for the business in a gentle capacity and built up my walking from 5 minutes at a time to longer walks with the dogs and Rob. I took it steady and built-up muscle strength with the Pilates and yoga. I have found I am more flexible now and have my confidence back – I just wish I’d had the courage to do it sooner.”
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Bristol Hip Replacement Surgery FAQS
Where can I have private hip replacement surgery in Bristol?
Private hip replacement surgery is available at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green. The hospital is based in Bristol and is easily accessible from the east and north via the M4. Several bus routes also stop nearby, including the M3, M3X, Y1 and 49 services.
How long is the waiting time for private hip replacement surgery in Bristol?
At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green, private hip replacement surgery is usually available within 4–6 weeks from your initial consultation. Private consultations are typically available within 1–2 weeks.
How much does private hip replacement surgery cost in Bristol?
At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green, hip replacement surgery is listed at £13,199, with a £95 consultation fee. The guide explains that the treatment package includes any tests needed during the initial consultation, post-operative medication if required, physiotherapy, and the cost of an overnight stay if needed.
What happens during hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery can be carried out under general or spinal anaesthetic. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision at the side of the hip, removes the damaged hip joint, and replaces it with an artificial joint. The operation usually takes around one to two hours.
What support is available after hip replacement surgery?
After surgery, patients are encouraged to start moving as soon as it is safe to do so. Some people may return home the same day, while others may need a short hospital stay. You’ll be given pain relief, a physiotherapy plan, and any walking aids or supports needed to help with recovery.
James Wood, Content Specialist
This article was co-written by Content Specialist, James Wood. Our Content Specialist, James, has been writing articles and blogs for Practice Plus Group since 2022. He has more than a decade of experience as a copywriter within a range of different backgrounds and works closely with medical professionals to deliver information that's easy-to-read and patient-focused. When he's not writing medical pieces, James is busy playing sports or pub quizzing.
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