Patient handbook for surgery in Shepton Mallet

You guide to Shepton Mallet surgeries

When considering the best options for surgery in Shepton Mallet, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind:

• experience levels of the consultants
• patient reviews
• the quality of the facilities
• location of the hospital.

Reputable clinics provide comprehensive care from consultation through to post-operative follow-ups.

Why choose Shepton Mallet for your surgery?

When looking for hospitals 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 Shepton Mallet, NHS and private surgeries are performed by highly-qualified consultants. This ensures exceptional standards of care whichever healthcare route you decide to take. It also means that, ultimately, your choice may depend on factors like waiting times, cost, and personal preferences.

Top hospitals for surgery in Shepton Mallet, Somerset

When seeking surgical treatment 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 map below shows where to find Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet in the context of the surrounding area.

Shepton Mallet hospital waiting lists

No-one likes to wait. So, let’s face it, along with price, hospital waiting times near you are likely to be one of the most important things to consider when researching Shepton Mallet hospitals.

Waiting lists will differ quite dramatically between NHS and private healthcare facilities. For example, at the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust hospital, the current wait for an initial orthopaedic consultation is 24 weeks (six months)¹.

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

Choosing the right hospital for surgery in Shepton Mallet

The table below provides a comparison of the available hospitals in the Shepton Mallet area. Spire Healthcare do not have a facility in Somerset so, for the purposes of context, we’ve included their Bristol-based hospital instead.

Shepton Mallet NHS treatment and surgery

Shepton Mallet features just two hospitals:

• Shepton Mallet Community Hospital
• Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet

While treatments at Shepton Mallet Community Hospital are of the highest-quality, they don’t cover all the major surgical areas. For example, cataract surgery is outsourced to Taunton, which is an hour’s drive to the south.

Private surgery in Shepton Mallet

Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet is the only private healthcare provider in the Shepton Mallet area. Specialising in hip, knee, cataract, and hernia surgery, patients can expect to wait just 4-6 weeks for their treatment following initial consultation.

Why choose Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet for your surgery?

Along with being the only private healthcare provider in the Shepton Mallet area, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet boasts the following:

• short waiting lists – have your surgery in just 4-6 weeks from initial consultation
• first-class consultants – receive top-quality care from highly experienced professionals
• competitive, transparent pricing – we’re up to 30% more affordable than other private healthcare providers

Common surgical procedures in Shepton Mallet

So, you’ve got a bit of context around the hospital, now it’s time to look at the surgical treatments at Shepton Mallet. The following are all available at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet.

Cataract surgery in Shepton Mallet
During cataract surgery, the old cloudy lens is removed with an ultrasonic probe and a new clear artificial lens is inserted in its place, which restores vision. You are able to choose the type of cataract lens that is right for you.

Knee surgery in Shepton Mallet., Somerset
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged knee with an artificial joint shaped to allow continued motion of the knee. This is a common operation that can help to relieve pain and restore mobility.

During the procedure, the damaged cartilage is removed and replaced with metal implants. These are often cemented into the bone. A plastic spacer is then inserted between the metal components to create a smooth surface.

Hip surgery in Shepton Mallet
As with other joint replacement surgery, an artificial hip takes the place of the hip joint. This entails removing the worn out joint and replacing it with a new hip with the aim of providing the patient with a better quality of life.

Hernia surgery in Shepton Mallet
Hernia surgery is considered a major procedure. Surgery always requires anaesthesia – whether local or general – and sees a surgeon correct the bulge causing the issue.

Carpal tunnel surgery in Shepton Mallet
The transverse carpal ligament, which is the roof of the carpal tunnel, is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. In most cases, this type of surgery provides a complete cure.

There are two types of surgical procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome:

• open release: the surgeon makes an incision in the wrist to access the carpal tunnel
• endoscopic release: a thin flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the wrist through the incision. This method isn’t widely used nowadays.

Shepton Mallet surgery prices

The table below will give you an overview of the main treatments offered at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, along with their costs.

Our website provides more information about private surgery costs in the UK.

Ways to pay

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

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

How to choose a qualified surgeon in Shepton Mallet

Finding the best consultants in Shepton Mallet 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.

Patient experience in Shepton Mallet

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 as a patient from treatment at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet.

Preparing for surgery

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, any treatment you have is more than just a procedure. 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.

What to expect on the day of your surgery

What to expect on the day depends on the type of surgery you’re having. All patients will meet their surgical team who will provide top quality care throughout the patient’s healthcare journey.

Recovery after surgery in Shepton Mallet

Your recovery path will depend on the type of treatment you received. For example, if you had a hip replacement, you’ll be taken to the recovery room where 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.

Whichever procedure you received, when you do return home, you will need to take it easy for a while. You will likely have been issued with painkillers to help manage any discomfort. If you’re a knee or hip surgery patient, you’ll also be given a physio plan to follow. This 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.

Shepton Mallet hospital reviews and surgery success stories

We’ve had many happy patients pass through our doors on the way to a pain-free future. Some of them even stop for a chat about their experience!

“Overall, my experience with Practice Plus Group, and specifically the staff at Shepton Mallet, was first class. I would thoroughly recommend it to those thinking of going down the private route. Thank you!

Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet hernia patient

Booking your operation in Shepton Mallet, Somerset

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.

Directions to Shepton Mallet hospital and address

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.

Sources and references

¹ My Planned Care Somerset NHS Trust

Acknowledgements