In April, medical insurance professional, John Collinge, 78 from Sutton Coldfield, underwent a private hip replacement with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham. As a privately insured patient, John found the process of arranging and receiving treatment straightforward and seamless. John comments on his experience and how he’s now effortlessly walking 10k steps a day!
“Having experienced the care at Practice Plus Group myself, I can confidently say to our clients and contacts that the patient journey here is smooth, professional, and reassuring from start to finish.”
John Collinge, private insurance hip patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
“I’ve had joint problems for many years and already had both knees replaced. Last year I fell and badly jarred my hip, which accelerated the arthritis that was already there. A couple of weeks later, because of the lack of movement in my hip, I even fell out of the shower and was in a lot of pain. By Christmas, I was dragging myself around with a stick and knew something had to be done.
“Through a business connection at the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, my son heard about the new Practice Plus Group Hospital in Birmingham and suggested I look into it. In the new year, I contacted the hospital, and from the very beginning the experience was exceptionally pleasant. Everyone I dealt with was keen to help, the advice was clear, and the whole process was seamless.
“I met with my consultant Mr Shahid, did my research, and decided to go ahead with surgery. On the day, I opted for a full anaesthetic as I didn’t want to be aware of what was going on in the theatre around me, and within hours of the operation the physiotherapists had me walking down the corridor. It was painful at first, of course, but within three days I’d thrown away my crutches. Now I’m walking normally again – 10,000 steps a day is no chore – and living life without discomfort.
“In the new year, I contacted Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, and from the very beginning the experience was exceptionally pleasant. Everyone I dealt with was keen to help, the advice was clear, and the whole process was seamless.”
John Collinge, private insurance hip patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
“The hospital itself and its staff made a strong impression. It’s new, modern, and spotless, with the latest testing facilities. Everyone was extremely nice, and nothing was too much trouble. Compared to other private hospitals I’ve experienced, it felt calm and uncrowded, which made a real difference.
“I was born in Birmingham, right in the city centre, just after the Second World War, so I’ve seen the city transform over the decades. To me, it’s good to see such a modern and well-run hospital now established in Edgbaston, adding real value to the area and its community.
“I came to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham as a privately insured patient using its Wellsoon private healthcare service. My company, The Health Insurance Group, has been running for over 30 years, specialising in employee benefits for small to medium businesses. We provide private medical insurance, group life and income protection, cash plans, and wills and estate planning. Having experienced the care at Practice Plus Group myself, I can confidently say to our clients and contacts that the patient journey here is smooth, professional, and reassuring from start to finish.
“For me personally, the difference in my life is night and day. Before surgery, I was immobile and in constant discomfort. Now, I’m back to living a very normal life and working full-time – busy networking and able to drive for longer periods and sit comfortably in meetings. I can focus on my work without any hip discomfort. I wouldn’t even know I’d had my hip replaced if I didn’t remember the pain beforehand.”
