Patients can now receive laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia surgery at our Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham, following investment in new surgical equipment and the appointment of a new Medical Director, Richard Dickson-Lowe.
The milestone means patients to the facility can now access advanced hernia treatment closer to home, rather than travelling to hospitals further afield such as our site in Ilford.
“Patients can access innovative treatment locally, which is more convenient and helps reduce waiting times.”
Richard Dickson-Lowe, Medical Director, Gillingham
The new service has been made possible through investment in a state-of-the-art laparoscopic video “stack” system, which enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures for the first time at the centre.
Hernias occur when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak area in surrounding muscle or connective tissue, often causing discomfort or a visible bulge. Laparoscopic repair involves small incisions, a camera, and specialised instruments, resulting in less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery.
Richard Dickson-Lowe, consultant surgeon and new Medical Director at the centre, said:
“I am delighted to join the team at Gillingham, and introducing laparoscopic hernia surgery here is an important milestone for patients across the region. Many people previously had to travel to other hospitals for this type of surgery. Now, they can access innovative treatment locally, which is more convenient and helps reduce waiting times.”
Richard brings extensive experience to the role, having performed his first laparoscopic procedure in 2011. He is also Clinical Lead for General and Colorectal Surgery at Medway Maritime Trust, which adds further expertise to the centre and helps shape its future surgical services.
“As Medical Director, my focus is on expanding the services we provide so patients can access care faster and closer to home. By investing in modern equipment and developing specialist services here, we can improve patient choice, reduce travel, and support quicker access to treatment,” he added.
“Offering keyhole hernia surgery locally means patients can receive treatment before conditions worsen, providing reassurance and avoiding the need for long journeys,” Richard explained. “Day-case procedures allow patients to return home the same day, which makes recovery smoother and more convenient.”
“The first procedures went very smoothly.”
Dominica Palcovicova, Anaesthetist, Gillingham
Dominica Palcovicova, anaesthetist during the first procedures, said:
“Because we are a day-case facility without overnight beds, patients are carefully assessed to ensure procedures are carried out safely. The new laparoscopic system is invaluable for increasing the number of patients we can treat as outpatients for both hernia and orthopaedic surgeries. The first procedures went very smoothly, and we look forward to welcoming more patients from Gillingham and surrounding areas.”
Private laparoscopic hernia surgery is available at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre Gillingham via its Wellsoon private healthcare service at a fixed-cost cost of £3229, or via private medical insurance. Private patients can be treated within 4-6 weeks.
NHS patients can be referred by their GP and access shorter waiting times than in larger hospitals.
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