Michael Flackie, 84, from Somerset, has been volunteering with his local Rotary Club at local events for over five decades. As a long-serving Rotarian, he’s used to spending long days on his feet supporting the community. In recent years, hip pain was becoming a hinderance when working at regular events, so he turned to Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group, to get his hip fixed fast.
“If anyone is putting off treatment because of waiting times, I’d say don’t delay – it’s made a huge difference to my life. I just wish I’d done it sooner.”
Michael Flackie, hip surgery patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet
He says: “I’ve been a Rotarian for 54 years now, and over that time I’ve helped at everything from fireworks nights to Christmas fairs and the Bath and West Show. At events like that, we often spend hours on our feet, helping keep events well organised.
“Over the past couple of years, I started to realise I was struggling more and more. My hip pain was getting worse, and it was affecting my ability to volunteer. I didn’t want to stop, but I knew something had to change. I looked into NHS waiting times for hip replacements locally, and they were just too long. With so many Rotary events in the calendar, I couldn’t afford to be out of action for months.
“That’s when I chose to go private with Wellsoon private healthcare service from Practice Plus Group at its Shepton Mallet Hospital. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. From the first consultation to the day of surgery, everything was straightforward and efficient. The staff were friendly, professional and really understood my need to get moving again quickly.
“What stood out most was the level of care at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet. The consultant was superb, and the whole team made me feel like I was in safe hands.”
Michael Flackie, hip surgery patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet
“The procedure went smoothly and the recovery was far quicker than I expected. I was able to get back to volunteering, and walking our two Labradors, much sooner than I thought possible.
“What stood out most was the level of care at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet. The consultant was superb, and the whole team made me feel like I was in safe hands. Now I can take part in events again without worrying about how far I’ll need to walk or how long I’ll be on my feet.
“If anyone is putting off treatment because of waiting times, I’d say don’t delay – it’s made a huge difference to my life. I just wish I’d done it sooner.”
