Practice Plus Group

Practice Plus Group: private and NHS surgical care in England

Practice Plus Group presents itself as one of England's largest independent providers of private, insured and NHS healthcare. The organisation operates a network of private hospitals and surgical centres across the country, and its activity spans surgery, diagnostics and general practice. It treats private patients who pay directly, patients with private medical insurance, and patients referred by the NHS.

Network of hospitals and surgical centres

The company has a network of healthcare facilities in England. The hospitals and surgical centres listed among its locations are: Barlborough Hospital (Derbyshire), Birmingham Hospital (West Midlands), Emersons Green Hospital (Bristol), Ilford Hospital (Essex), Plymouth Hospital (Devon), Shepton Mallet Hospital (Somerset), Southampton Hospital (Hampshire), Devizes Surgical Centre (Wiltshire), Gillingham Surgical Centre (Kent), Portsmouth Surgical Centre (Hampshire), Rochdale Ophthalmology (Lancashire) and Buckinghamshire MSK and Diagnostics. It also has mobile ophthalmology units.

Specialities and treatments

The treatment catalogue includes hip and knee surgery, cataract surgery, hernia repair, shoulder surgery, gallbladder removal, meniscus repair, tennis elbow surgery, bunion surgery, sinus surgery, physiotherapy, premium cataract lenses and private sleep apnoea testing. Medical specialities cover bones and joints, ophthalmology, vascular surgery (varicose veins), ear, nose and throat, weight loss, sports injuries, endoscopy, gynaecology (women's health), urology (men's health), dental and oral surgery, back pain and spinal surgery, and scans and imaging. Private GP services, musculoskeletal care and urgent treatment centres are also offered.

Consultants and clinical teams

The organisation has expert consultants covering hundreds of treatments. Patients can choose their consultant and access tailored treatment plans. The company also employs general practitioners, nursing and clinical support staff, as well as management and central services teams.

Payment methods and financing

For private self-pay patients, the organisation offers fixed treatment prices and flexible payment options. All major private medical insurers are accepted, with no payment extras or shortfall, and support is provided with authorisation and administration. Through Chrysalis Finance, 0% payment plans are offered over 12 months or longer terms of 24 to 60 months at 14.9% APR. Practice Plus Group Hospitals Limited acts as a designated representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the regulated activity of credit broking.

Quality indicators and patient experience

According to data published by the organisation itself, more than 5,000 treatments were carried out last month, its hospitals hold Outstanding or 'Good' ratings from the CQC, it maintains a 100% clean record for hospital acquired infections, and 97% of patients recommend Practice Plus Group. The company collects real patient stories, such as that of Dr Hilary Jones, who underwent a hip replacement with Mr Shahid at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham after travelling 360 miles to avoid NHS waiting lists in his area. Other stories include knee, hip and general surgery patients at various centres.

Referrals and access

The organisation manages referrals from both private and NHS patients. NHS patients can access services through the e-Referral Service and change hospital. For healthcare professionals, pathways are offered to refer patients. The company also publishes a price list and waiting times for private patients.