Read about Portsmouth hernia surgery patient, Peter Sykes’ successful surgery…
We sat down with Peter, a hernia surgery patient (and huge Aston Villa fan!) to learn more about his healthcare journey and experiences with Practice Plus Group Hospital, Portsmouth.
“I started experiencing discomfort in my groin in 2021 and saw a surgeon in Portsmouth who diagnosed a hernia. It wasn’t causing me too many problems so I left it alone, but then in May 2021 it flared up again.
I contacted a well-known private hospital chain, but they couldn’t tell me when I’d be able to have the operation. To me this was the whole point of going private- I only wanted to pay so that I could schedule the surgery around my work obligations.
I carried on, working and driving around the country at weekends to watch my beloved team, Aston Villa, play. But in October it flared up again and I started getting fed up with the discomfort, so I did some more research into private providers and found Practice Plus Group.
Peter’s hernia surgery patient experience in Portsmouth
I met with a consultant for an initial consultation and was able to book in for hernia repair surgery at the end of November, which suited me because it would fit around work. I used to be a Headteacher and am now a part-time link tutor at the University of Winchester; November is generally quiet work-wise, whereas January is very busy and it would have been difficult to take a month off.
November also coincided with the World Cup, which meant I wouldn’t miss any Aston Villa fixtures!”
“All the staff were brilliant; they were polite, helpful and couldn’t have done more.”
Peter Sykes, Practice Plus Group hernia patient, Portsmouth
“As I live alone, my cousin took me to hospital and up to the day surgery area. All the staff were brilliant; they were polite, helpful and couldn’t have done more. I was also pleased to get the impression they weren’t treating me any differently than NHS patients. This is what I wanted- for everyone to receive great care, and for me to have paid only for the convenience of scheduling my operation.
I came round, had some snacks and my cousin drove me home. I’d had a hernia operation in the 1980s and back then it meant a four night hospital stay, so being able to go straight home was very much appreciated.”
“I can’t recommend Practice Plus Group enough. Everything they did was excellent.”
Peter Sykes, Practice Plus Group hernia patient, Portsmouth
“For a week or so I didn’t feel great and then like a lightbulb was switched on, I woke up one morning feeling absolutely fine. A month on and I feel great and am back driving around the country cheering on Aston Villa.
I can’t recommend Practice Plus Group at St Mary’s, Portsmouth, enough. Everything they did was excellent.”
