Hip replacement in Somerset – a patient's guide

Hip replacement in Somerset: what you need to know

The hip replacement surgical procedure itself is the same in Somerset as any other part of the UK. Essentially, it’s the replacing of a painful arthritic hip with an artificial joint.The surgery takes place under general or spinal anaesthesia and usually takes between one and two hours.

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, we offer two types of hip surgery:

• hip replacement
• hip revision.

Hip revision is where an artificial hip has worn or failed and needs to be corrected.

Who should consider hip replacement in Somerset?

The majority of hip replacement patients are between the ages of 60-80, but people in their 20’s can suffer from hip pain. In fact, there’s a whole host of athletes, especially tennis players who have had hip replacements.

If conservative treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications haven’t worked, and your condition is significantly impacting your life, hip surgery may be recommended.

Signs you need surgery could include:

• persistent pain
• reduced mobility
• difficulty performing everyday tasks
• poor quality of life
• joint damage shown on scans.

Eligibility for hip replacement surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet typically depends on several factors. These include:

• the severity of the hip condition
• the patient’s overall health, age, and medical history
• the patient’s ability to undergo surgery.

NHS vs private surgery

It’s the age-old question: should I wait for my treatment or should I pay and have it sooner? Only you really know the answer but here are a few things to consider.

Location of treatment: If you’re thinking of using the NHS for your treatment, it’s likely you’ll be facing a long waiting list. If this is the case, it might be worth doing some research. If you’re willing to travel for your treatment, you may be able to have your surgery sooner.

Accessibility of private care: Private healthcare was once the preserve of the rich. Nowadays, however, it’s become much more accessible with the dawn of finance options. At Practice Plus Group, you can spread the cost of your surgery over 12 months at 0% APR or over 24-60 months at 14.9% APR.

Shorter waiting times: If you do have the financial means, at Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet, you’ll have your hip replacement surgery in just 4-6 from your initial consultation.

Waiting times in Somerset for hip replacements

At the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust hospital, the current wait for an initial orthopaedic consultation is 24 weeks (six months)¹.

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, the waiting time for your hip replacement is much shorter. In fact, you’ll have your surgery just 4-6 weeks after your initial consultation. In terms of availability for the consultation itself, this usually takes place within 2 weeks of your booking enquiry.

Choosing the best hospital for hip replacement in Somerset, UK

When seeking hip replacement surgery in your area, it’s crucial to choose a provider known for its high-quality care, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive support. If you’ve cranked up the laptop and are ready to do some research, remember to look at patient reviews, facilities, and the quality of care.

In Somerset, NHS and private surgeries are performed by highly-qualified orthopaedic surgeons. This ensures exceptional standards of care whichever healthcare route you decide to take. It also means that, ultimately, your choice may depend on factors such as:

• waiting times
• cost
• personal preferences.

The table below offers a comparison with regards to the available healthcare facilities in the county of Somerset. Spire Healthcare do not have a facility in Somerset so, for the purposes of context, we’ve thrown in their Bristol-based hospital instead.

Our guide on the best private hospitals in Somerset has more information.

Finding us at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet is easy.

There are a number of ways to travel to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet. These include public transport, by road, and by train.

Public transport
The number 776 bus stops near the hospital on St Peter’s Road.

By car
If you’re coming from the north, you’ll likely travel down the A37. From the east, you’ll need to use the A361 and follow the signs once you arrive in Shepton Mallet.

By train
Castle Cary train station is a 20 minute taxi ride away, or there is plenty of free on-site parking at the hospital.

When you arrive please register at reception so we know you’re here. A member of staff will collect you for your appointment.

Our address is: Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, Old Wells Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4LP.

Patient experience at Shepton Mallet Hospital, Somerset

If you’re still in two minds about choosing Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet for your hip replacement surgery, perhaps the information below will sway your decision.

Procedures offered

Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet offers the following types of hip surgery:

• hip replacement
• hip revision

Consultants and care

All our orthopaedic consultants at Shepton Mallet boast a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to hip surgery. Their consultation profiles will give you a better idea of which can meet your needs.

Somerset success stories

We’ve had many happy hip patients pass through our doors on the way to reclaiming their mobility and enjoying a pain-free future. Some of them even stop for a chat about their experience. One of those was Ian Key who had a hip replacement with us in 2023.

“I chose Practice Plus Group in Shepton Mallet for my hip replacement operation because they had an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating…I was amazed at both the lack of hip and knee pain and the fact that I could walk so soon after the surgery.”

Ian Keys, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet

What to expect during hip surgery in Somerset

Being open and honest with our patients is absolutely our thing.So, in the name of ensuring there are no surprises, the information below details what you can expect from hip replacement treatment at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet.

Your initial consultation

Your consultant will need to get to the bottom of your issue before providing a diagnosis. To do this, he or she may need to do the following:

• perform certain tests
• take scans or x-rays
• ask about your medical history.

This is all included in the £95 consultation fee and there’s no obligation for you to progress to treatment.

Preparing for hip replacement in Somerset

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, hip replacement surgery is more than an operation. With us, it’s a journey – one we’re here to guide you on every step of the way. From receiving your treatment plan to making travel arrangements for the big day, to what you should wear, our preparing for surgery guide will provide you with all the information you need.

The procedure

Hip replacement surgery can be carried out under either general or spinal anaesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend which will work best for you. An incision will be made on the side of your hip and the damaged hip joint is then removed. This is then replaced with an artificial joint. The entire procedure usually takes between one and two hours. After the surgeon is satisfied, you’ll be taken to recovery.

Post-surgery care and recovery for hip replacement patients in Somerset

When your procedure is done and you’re in the recovery room, you’ll be encouraged to mobilise as soon as possible. If the surgeon is satisfied, you may even be able to return home on the same day. For some, this is the reality but for others, a short hospital stay is needed. If you do need to stay in hospital, that’s not a problem. Our specialist nursing team will be on-hand to support you.

When you do return home, you will need to take it easy for a while. You’ll be issued with painkillers to help manage any discomfort. A physio plan will be devised with face-to-face sessions with a professional. You should make every effort to attend these classes as they play a crucial role in successfully recovering from a hip replacement.

Potential risks and complications

Despite being considered a safe operation with a high success rate, the surgery does still carry the following risks and complications:

• nerve damage
• dislocation
• deep vein thrombosis
• infection

Most of these can be mitigated by attending and following your follow-up physiotherapy classes, maintaining a healthy weight to avoid putting undue stress on your joints, and avoiding trip hazards.

What does hip replacement in Somerset cost?

In the table below, we’ve put together a few stats and figures to give you an idea of what to expect to pay for hip replacement in Somerset.

Whereas with other private healthcare providers, location can affect the cost of treatment, at Practice Plus Group, our prices are fixed. This means that whether you’re in the South-west or the North, you’ll pay exactly the same price for your treatment.

Ways to pay – insurance and financing options

There are three ways to access hip replacement at Practice Plus Group:

• Self-pay private healthcare
• Private health insurance
• NHS referral.

Recommended orthopaedic surgeons for hip replacement in Somerset, UK

Finding the best hip replacement surgeons in Somerset doesn’t need to be difficult. Meet our experienced consultants at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet. Our consistency of care sees your consultant-led treatment team supporting you from start to finish, making your visit as comfortable as possible.

How to book your hip surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet

If you are paying for your own treatment you can self-refer. This means you won’t necessarily need to make a GP appointment beforehand. Simply ring our Private Patient Advisors on 0330 822 6530 to find out what your options are. Once your referral is dealt with, our friendly staff will book you in.

Sources and references

¹ My Planned Care Somerset NHS Trust

Acknowledgements