Testimonials and feedback

It’s not about the money - It’s about getting it sorted!”

Mr HG, 79, moved from London to Somerset for a slower pace of life with his wife Kathy. But when worsening carpal tunnel symptoms in his right hand began disrupting his sleep and daily activities, and he received little support from his GP, Humphrey knew he had to take matters into his own hands – literally! Humphrey, speaks about his life-changing private surgery with Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet…

“We moved to Somerset about two years ago. We had lived in London for a long time and wanted a change. Until now I’ve never had to really use the local hospitals since we moved. When I had a tingly feeling in my right hand for about a year, I started to consider what to do about it and what health services were available to me in the area.

“My hand had got really bad. It became a numbness, and it would happen when I was driving. I’d have to shake my hand and the feeling would come back.

“I went to the GP to see about my symptoms because it was getting worse. Disappointingly, the nurse more or less said, “there’s nothing we can do about that”. I felt I received little support.

“What really pushed me to do something and consider private healthcare options was when it started waking me up at night. I’d be asleep and wake up with a numb hand. The tingling became really irritating, and it didn’t seem to be going away. I couldn’t grip things properly, writing was awkward, and it affected my ability to use tools. Even typing was getting difficult. The numbness was getting worse and it certainly wasn’t going to go away on its own.

“My wife Kathy had not long since had cataract surgery locally on the NHS at Practice Plus Group Hospital in Shepton Mallet. So, we’d heard about it. Then we asked on the local Nextdoor app for recommendations for local hospitals for cataract surgery and we got lots of responses saying Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet was brilliant. One guy said that in the bigger hospitals, you might not get the main consultant, but in the smaller ones like Shepton Mallet, they may only have one consultant that specialises in certain surgeries so you get the best. That made sense to me.

“What impressed me straightaway was that the initial consultation with the hospital’s Wellsoon private healthcare service was only £95. I thought, “I’ll just go and have a look. See what they say. In London, I’ve paid twice that just to sit in front of someone, and that’s without any tests. The £95 included everything - consultation, examination, explanation, and even an X-ray if you needed it. That’s really impressive.

“I saw Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Alison Edwards, who specialises in hand and wrist surgery. She looked at the X-ray, explained what was going on, and told me there are two ways to deal with it - an injection, which would provide temporary pain relief, or a small op, which is what she recommended. She said if I didn’t have it done, I could eventually lose all feeling in those fingers. That was enough for me to book it in.

“Just two days later they rang up and said, “We’ve had a cancellation - can you come in Monday?” I was amazed at how quick it all was.

“The whole experience was really professional. Everyone there was calm, friendly, and extremely efficient. You felt like you were in good hands. I’ve been in a lot of hospitals over the years, both NHS and private, and I have to say this one was right up there.

“The operation was fine. No problems. I had a big bandage on for a few days and then a smaller one. Ten days later, I had the stitches out at my GP surgery.”

I have a business distributing aloe vera products, so used some of my Forever Living aloe vera gel and the scar is already looking much better - it’s very faded already!

“I didn’t realise how much I couldn’t do before the surgery until after it was done. Now, I’ve got full movement back. I’m back at the gym - I lift weights, use all the machines. No problem at all.

“I do have private medical insurance, but I haven’t even checked what it covers yet. The point is, even if it’s not covered, I’d have paid anyway. It’s not about the money - it’s about getting it sorted. I’m happy I chose Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group and I’d do it again.

“The value for money was amazing. Compared to London prices or even other private hospitals, this was absolutely reasonable. And the level of care? Exceptional.

“We’re very lucky to have a place like Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet so close. I really didn’t expect to find this level of care here in Somerset. It was first class all the way through.

“If you’re thinking about having surgery there - do it. You won’t regret it.”

Ends

  Ms AS who is a potter and pottery teacher who underwent bilateral thumb base joint replacements

“I’ve struggled for years with arthritis in various parts of my body, but can honestly say that the pain in my thumbs was seriously impeding my life the most, and daily tasks became an agonising experience. I couldn’t even pop a pill out of the blister pack for pain relief as I couldn’t pinch or push my thumbs without searing pain. Instead I had to cut the pills out with a pair of scissors. I’d also had to invest in various tools to open jars and driving had become almost impossible.

“I first heard of the new thumb joint replacement surgery through my physio based in Somerset. He had heard of Alison Edwards, the specialist hand surgeon at Practice Plus Group Hospital in Shepton Mallet, and suggested I see my GP for a referral to see her.

“Fortunately, I was an ideal candidate for the surgery and was booked in quickly on the NHS for both of my thumbs to be scanned and assessed. When I met Alison, I knew I had made the right decision. I’d explained how bad my thumbs had become and how the tingling pain was starting to affect other fingers, and how constant pain was leaving me feeling exhausted. It’s like having the worst toothache type pain in your thumbs all the time. Alison showed me the replacement joint which was like a little hinge, and I felt really reassured that this was the right surgery for me.

“My operation went really well and almost immediately I could feel my pain and range of movements improving no end. Seven weeks later I had my right thumb joint replaced too by Alison. Now there is nothing I can’t do. I am back to teaching and throwing clay pots. My thumbs look normal with minimal scarring and my range of joint movement is better than ever since there is no pain at all. I didn’t require physio which was a blessing and have felt instantly relieved. I’ve recommended the surgery to other people I know – especially women – who tell me their joints have become affected during the menopause. I was lucky to have my treatment on the NHS but if I’d had to pay it would be worth every penny. The change in my life is marvellous and I don’t have to worry anymore about not being able to teach. My career is definitely back on track!”