The Harley Street Clinic

We are delighted to say that HCA UK Laboratories have won three awards at the 2024 Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Awards.

🏆 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I)
🏆 Training & Development
🏆 Biomedical Science Champion

Commenting on our equality, diversity and inclusion approach, the IBMS credited HCA UK as a "a beacon for others to learn from.”

Congratulations to the HCA UK Labs team for the wins, and a huge thank you for playing such an active and engaged role in making HCA UK a great place to work and develop your career.

📸 HCA UK Labs Training Manager, Victoria Moyse and Head of Culture, Colleague Communications & Engagement, Mark Forrest, proudly accepting the awards from hosts, IBMS President, Joanna Andrew and Comedian, Author and Anaesthetist, Ed Patrick.

Explore our laboratories and scientists roles and join our award-winning team: https://ow.ly/7AcK50StxBG

Today we are proud to open the doors to our £18m, 20,000 sq ft state-of-the-art outpatient centre in the heart of Canary Wharf.

HCA Healthcare UK Canary Wharf Outpatients builds on our existing capability in the City and aims to meet the growing demand for fast access to high-quality private healthcare in convenient locations.

It offers access to an expert team of care, offering:

✅ GP appointments
✅ Health screening
✅ Consultant expertise across the breadth of medical specialties, from cardiac to orthopaedics
✅ Specialist clinics including men’s and women’s health services
✅ Imaging and diagnostics - including x-ray, MRI, ultrasound, specialist breast screening, and blood tests

Services reflect an increased focus on preventative health and early detection in corporate health, which often translates to better outcomes and shorter treatment episodes for patients, and faster returns to the health and productivity of teams.

Operated by London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK Canary Wharf offers seamless referrals into our wider network of hospitals and specialist clinics if onward care is needed.

Meet Bode, who had successful surgery aged 14 to correct adolescent scoliosis and was back playing sports and riding a horse in just a few months.

Bode had no idea she was developing an excessive curvature in her spine until a school friend spotted it when they were changing for PE at age 12. Her mum, Cassie, booked an appointment with HCA UK Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon Mr Jonathan Lucas, who told them her spinal curve was progressing very quickly. “He said that without surgery, it would start to really impact my chest and lung capacity in later life and may affect my ability to run around and play sports,” shares Bode.

Bode’s operation was scheduled at the renowned The Portland Hospital. The team successfully fitted Bode with one titanium and one cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine held in place by 18 screws. “Comparing the before and after X-rays, they managed to make my spine perfectly straight which was incredible,” says Bode.

Her recovery was one of the fastest Mr Lucas has ever seen. Just two weeks after the surgery, Bode was back at school. She was playing volleyball again within a month, scuba diving in Santorini, and cantering a horse across a beach in the Dominican Republic within three months. “It was sooner than Mr Lucas advised, to be honest! But I felt so well that I just went for it.”

Despite studying for GCSEs, Bode now finds the time to reassure other young patients facing spinal surgery.

Find out more about how we treat scoliosis in adolescents: https://ow.ly/r1HP50SpPWN

Did you know there are over 24,000 people living with Myeloma in the UK, with 1 in 4 patients diagnosed under the age of 65. Today we're sharing Vanessa's story.

Vanessa was 38 years old when what started as persistent back pain, led her to specialists at HCA Healthcare UK, and resulted in an unexpected diagnosis of Myeloma.

Myeloma, also referred to as multiple myeloma is an incurable type of blood cancer. Over the years there have been many advancements in treatment and new breakthrough therapies continue to develop rapidly. This means that more people like Vanessa are living with Myeloma for longer than ever before.

Almost 14 years after her initial diagnosis Vanessa continues to receive her care at HCA Healthcare UK, under the expertise of Professor Kwee Yong. Last year she was one of the first patients in the UK to benefit from bispecific antibodies - a new type of immunotherapy.

Read Vanessa's story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/vanessas-story

❓Did you know it's reported that 1 in 3 people don't attend their cervical screening tests❓

Cervical screening helps detect high-risk HPV and early cell changes to prevent cervical cancer developing.

See below for three frequently asked questions about cervical screening.

Meet Kriti Singh, an IT Product Manager from London, who faced a daunting challenge just months before her wedding. After a dance injury at her 30th birthday party in Varanasi, she was diagnosed with a full ACL rupture in her 'good' knee. With a history of knee issues and three surgeries already behind her, Kriti was understandably hesitant.

Thanks to the expertise of Mr. Simon Thompson at The Lister Hospital, Kriti underwent a successful ACL reconstruction and two corrective surgeries on her left knee. Remarkably, her recovery was swift and smooth, allowing her to walk, exercise, and even return to work within weeks.

“The recovery process was completely different to my previous experiences,” says Kriti. “There was no knee brace, I could weight bear, and there was hardly any pain. I was on my feet and in the gym within two weeks and back to work in just six weeks. I'm completely pain free now, which is a lovely surprise!”

Read Kriti’s full story of resilience and expert care, resulting in her walking down the aisle in January 2024, pain-free!
https://ow.ly/l3OV50SjOPv

At the Headache and Facial Pain Service we know how difficult it can be to get an accurate diagnosis for chronic pain, given there are many possible causes and ways pain can present itself.

At The Harley Street Clinic, our dedicated team of expert consultant neurologists and neurosurgeons work with state-of-the-art diagnostics to offer some of the best support and interventions that London and the UK has to offer.

Watch this short video to find out more about the conditions we treat >

Facial pain conditions - Mr Nick Thomas and Mr Sinan Barazi | Headache and Facial Pain Service Consultant neurosurgeons Mr Nick Thomas and Mr Sinan Barazi discuss what facial pain conditions we treat as part of the Headache and Facial Pain Service.The ...

"We are helping people to get better, which makes the role really fulfilling. It is rewarding to be part of one of the many teams that ensures the smooth running of a hospital and a first-class patient experience. Our people [at HCA UK] are one of our biggest assets! We have a lot of people who take so much pride in their work and go above and beyond."

Today we are shining a spotlight on our colleague Roma Arya, Head of Housekeeping.

Roma leads a team of over 400 people, responsible for ensuring the highest standards in the environments across our network of care.

Thank you, Roma and to all of our vital housekeeping colleagues for your dedication and hard work!

Learn more about Roma's career journey here: https://hcacareers.co.uk/life-at-hca/from-hotels-to-healthcare-romas-story/

Roma's Story Meet Roma, Head of Housekeeping, and find out more about the role our housekeeping teams play in delivering an exceptional patient experience.

For the entire month of June, our hospitals will be illuminated in the vibrant colours of the Pride flag, symbolising our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.

We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. Our commitment to diversity and equality is reflected not only in our policies but also in our daily practices and interactions.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

Can an ice bath really ease your pain? Dr Fadi Jouhra, Consultant Cardiologist at our hospital, explains how cold-water immersion can be beneficial.

Read the Daily Mail article > https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12772099/As-Holby-Citys-Rosie-Marcel-says-banished-debilitating-symptoms-autoimmune-condition-plunging-agonisingly-cold-ice-bath-ease-pain.html

❔ Did you know that up to 50% of people in the UK with atrial fibrillation arrhythmias are undiagnosed, or that between six and eight million people are living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure?

Many heart conditions go undiagnosed which, if left unchecked, could cause serious health issues. That's why we have launched the HCA UK Heart Health Check, available across our 15 centres of cardiac care.

This comprehensive and personalised set of tests administered under the care of one of our leading cardiologists, empowers patients to gain a deeper understanding of their heart health, discuss any risks, and take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

As the leading independent provider of cardiac care, treating more patients than any other provider in the sector, we are ensuring that patients have fast access to a high quality and expert overview of their heart health.

The HCA UK Heart Health Check includes:
✅ 35 different lab tests, including specialty heart risk biomarkers
✅ An echocardiogram to assess the heart's structure and function
✅ An ECG to check for an abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia)
✅ A score to assess your future heart and stroke risk

All tests are performed in a single appointment. To find out more visit: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/heart-health-check

💗 To kick off British Heart Week we held an event for staff to learn more about cardiac care and treatments, featuring talks from Dr Orlanda Allen discussing heart disease in women; Dr Sunthar Kanaganayagam exploring imaging modalities, and Dr Zachary Whinnett providing insights into Conduction System Pacing, a different way of placing a pacemaker - and more!

Thanks to all our presenters and those who attended.

Today is and we’re proud of the vital role our biomedical scientists and laboratory colleagues play in providing exceptional patient care.

Thank you for all that you do!

At Leaders in Oncology Care (LOC), our patients are at the heart of everything we do. Every day, our outstanding and highly dedicated team come together with a shared commitment to care for patients with multiple, complex and often highly challenging cancer diagnoses - and each day they do everything to ensure their safety, wellbeing and comfort.

Find out more about our team at LOC > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/loc-leaders-in-oncology-care/our-loc-teams

Our Women's Health Centre, located at 27-29 Harley Street, will offer specialist healthcare for women, for every stage of their lives. ​
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We recognise there are medical conditions that affect women disproportionately or differently and this has been our guide, ensuring that the services, consultant expertise and the specialist care we offer reflects these needs.​
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Opening in Summer 2024, the 13,000 square foot centre will include 16 consulting rooms, four treatment rooms, and its own 3T MRI and DEXA scanner. It will also offer a private GP service with doctors who specialise in healthcare for women. ​
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📸 Image of a consulting room in the building​
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For more information about the Women's Health Centre, visit > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/Womens-Health-Centre

Our Women's Health Centre, located at 27-29 Harley Street, will offer specialist healthcare for women, for every stage of their lives. ​

We recognise there are medical conditions that affect women disproportionately or differently and this has been our guide, ensuring that the services, consultant expertise and the specialist care we offer reflects these needs.​

Opening in Summer 2024, the 13,000 square foot centre will include 16 consulting rooms, four treatment rooms, and its own 3T MRI and DEXA scanner. It will also offer a private GP service with doctors who specialise in healthcare for women. ​

📸 Image of a consulting room in the building​​

For more information about the Women's Health Centre, visit > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/Womens-Health-Centre

In the Breast Unit at The Harley Street Clinic we continually invest in the very latest imaging technology to help us detect and treat breast cancer. Our pioneering equipment reduces the number of times you'd need to be screened, decreases waiting times, and vastly improves reliability and speed of diagnosis, which we know is incredibly important for our patients.

Learn more about The Breast Unit > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-harley-street-clinic/our-centres/the-breast-unit-at-the-harley-street-clinic

Giving birth is one of life's most significant events, and at HCA UK's The Portland Hospital, the only wholly private hospital in the country dedicated to the care of women and children, we always aim to provide access to empowered choice.

This is a choice guided by clinical expertise from our leading obstetrics consultants and experienced, compassionate midwifery and nursing teams. It's a choice with the backup of neonatal intensive care and critical care should mum or baby need it, and it's a choice underpinned by the consistency of care.

Thanks to Shazia Malik for capturing our ethos so eloquently in her conversation with The Independent about the choice to have a caesarean.

Read the full article here: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/c-section-doctor-caesarean-doctor-b2547901.html

Heart disease - the six things to consider in order to protect yourself.

Dr Oliver Segal, Consultant Cardiologist at our hospital, recently shared this thoughts on heart disease with The Times.

He says, “The key to the dramatic fall in cardiovascular risk we have seen until now over the past four or five decades is primarily linked to factors such as cessation of smoking, adopting a healthier lifestyle, the use of statins and identifying possible risk factors such as raised cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.”

To read more, visit > https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/heart-disease-signs-symptoms-protect-yourself-h2st8g80s

Last month the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) published their latest statistics revealing the busiest centres for complex and major endometriosis surgery in the UK.

We are proud to be the UK's largest independent provider of specialist endometriosis care with 4 accredited endometriosis centres at London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital and The Lister Hospital.

For many women, getting a diagnosis of endometriosis can be a long process, and that's why we have ensured that across our network of health, our patients can access the nation's leading experts in the condition.

We want to give a huge thank you to our specialist teams for your expertise and the positive impact you are making in women’s lives.

You can find out more about our specialist endometriosis care here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/conditions/endometriosis

📸 Leading endometriosis consultant Shaheen Khazali at one of The Lister Hospital's outpatient clinics in the Battersea/Nine Elms area of London.

Meet Judith, a retired physiotherapist and artist, who endured knee pain since her forties. At 80, she decided to find a solution.

“For decades, I had patellofemoral pain. My GP recommended anti-inflammatories, so I just carried on. As a physiotherapist, I knew staying active was crucial. I designed gardens, took up acrylic painting, and enjoyed hill walking,” Judith shares.

After moving to Wales, her knee pain worsened. “Eight years ago, I saw an orthopaedic surgeon who gave me patella injections every six months. They were marvellous but temporary. The pandemic halted the injections, leaving me without treatment for four years.”

Back in London, Judith faced increased pain and opted for a knee replacement. Referred to Mr. Thompson at The Lister Hospital, she felt confident about the innovative patient-specific joint he recommended.

Judith recalls, “The Lister Hospital staff were friendly and professional. The surgery and spinal anaesthetic were seamless. After one night, I was discharged. My recovery has been incredible – walking without aids after a week and two miles daily after six weeks.”

Now, Judith enjoys a full range of movement and follows a physiotherapy program. “I do more than the average person, strengthening my knee, back, core, and other leg.”

What’s next for Judith? “Everything London has to offer, starting with the art galleries!”

Read Judith's full story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/decades-of-knee-pain-judiths-story

Our Women's Health Centre represents a £13.5m investment in specialist healthcare for women, for every stage of their lives. ​
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Spread across six floors, it's been designed to ensure that all aspects of women's healthcare can be accessed in one place, including one-stop gynaecology and breast screening with 3D and contrast mammogram, alongside expertise in menopause, and other health conditions. ​
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Opening in Summer 2024, the 13,000 square foot centre located at 27-29 Harley Street will include 16 consulting rooms, four treatment rooms, and its own 3T MRI and DEXA scanner. It will also offer a private GP service with doctors who specialise in healthcare for women. ​
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For more information about the Women's Health Centre, visit > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/Womens-Health-Centre

Could healthy foods like Greek yogurt, granola bars, prawns and eggs be impacting your high cholesterol?

"Whether you treat yourself to a greasy burger or cheesy chips covered with mayonnaise, certain food choices are an obvious cholesterol red flag. However, when you fill your fridge with foods that are marketed as healthy, you don’t expect your cholesterol to raise. Worryingly, five seemingly healthy foods could be putting your arteries at risk, according to Dr Rodney Foale, Consultant Cardiologist, from The Harley Street Clinic."

“A single fatty meal won’t put you at risk of heart disease nor is it likely to change your cholesterol levels or test results. But over time, a diet high in saturated fats and carbohydrates can greatly increase your risk, says Dr Foale."

To read more from Dr Foale in his latest interview with Daily Express, visit > https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1756011/high-cholesterol-diet-risk-greek-yoghurt-prawns-granola

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, at Leaders in Oncology Care (LOC) we focus on selecting the most effective, evidence-based treatments with a personalised approach.

And we know the journey isn't just about the medicine, which is why we also offer emotional support, pain management, nutrition and support with everyone's wellbeing, to ensure you feel looked after 24 hours a day, during and beyond treatment.

Read more about LOC > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/loc-leaders-in-oncology-care/contact-us/loc-at-the-harley-street-clinic

When it comes to your heart, you need the best treatment possible, as soon as possible.

We treat more cardiac patients than any other UK private healthcare provider, in state-of-the-art facilities, with dedicated experienced teams.

Learn more about our expert cardiac care here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/specialties/cardiac-care

Husband and wife Paul and Christine share their melanoma diagnosis and care they received at The Christie Private Care, highlighting the importance of early detection and sun safety.

Paul noticed a small spot on his arm before a routine checkup, leading to a melanoma diagnosis. Christine's vigilance after Paul's diagnosis led to her own melanoma discovery. Both swiftly sought care at The Christie Private Care, where they received prompt, specialist treatment.

Their advice? Don't rely on the internet for diagnosis; see a doctor if you notice changes on your skin. Christine says “If you are worried about something on your skin do not rely on the internet to diagnose you. If you've got a lesion or a spot that's suddenly appeared, or it's changing, you must see a doctor."

Paul adds, "Times have changed and that's positive but there needs to be even more awareness of the damage that we’re doing to ourselves. Wear hats, cover up, use sunscreen. There are so many ways you can prevent that damage happening in the first place."

Read Paul and Christine’s full story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/an-unexpected-melanoma-diagnosis-for-husband-and-wife

The London Neurosurgery Partnership, located within our hospital, can help patients treat a number of symptoms and conditions that can have a huge impact on everyday life, including:

* Lower back pain
* Neck pain
* Sciatica
* Facial pain (including trigeminal neuralgia)
* Headaches

Find out more about the partnership > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-harley-street-clinic/our-centres/london-neurosurgery-partnership

Did you know snoring can be connected to your overall heart health?

According to a study from Stanford University analysed the health records of 1.7 million American adults aged 20 to 50, a fifth of whom had obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

This common condition, causes the airway to become blocked during sleep, leading to loud snoring and gasping for breath upon waking. It's estimated that up to eight million people in Britain could be suffering, with about 1.5 million having a moderate to severe form of sleep apnoea. So what does sleep apnoea have to do with your heart health?

Chronic snoring is often dismissed as trivial or even comical. But sleep apnoea, when repeated interrupts breathing during sleep, triggering a fall in blood oxygen levels and poor quality of sleep, is actually a major heart health "red flag".

We spoke with Dr Martin Lowe, Consultant Cardiologist at our hospital, and he said, "it's increasingly recognized as a very serious medical condition linked with high blood pressure, diabetes, even mental health issues on the basis that if you don't get a good night's sleep, and you're tired during the day, that affects your mood. And given the link with atrial fibrillation (AF), it's become the most important risk factor we see."

If you have atrial fibrillation and you have sleep apnoea, there is good evidence that treating the sleep apnoea will help prevent further attacks of AF." says Dr Lowe.

With this, it's important to get diagnosed, and share your concerns with a GP so you can get further testing. At HCA Healthcare UK, we offer same-day and next-day appointments. Visit the link below to book an appointment > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/private-gp-services

When it comes to your heart, you need the best treatment possible, as soon as possible.

We treat more cardiac patients than any other UK private healthcare provider, in state-of-the-art facilities, with dedicated staff, and a 99% success rate across all cardiac surgery. So when 99% of our patients say they trust us, you can trust them.

Learn more about our expert cardiac care > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/specialties/cardiac-care

Did you know that 9 out of 10 breast lumps that we diagnose at our one-stop breast unit are benign?

However, if a patient is given a breast cancer diagnosis, being treated with us means access to a multidisciplinary team of leading specialist and sub-specialist surgeons, radiologists, mammographers and clinical nurse specialists, who will develop each patient a tailored treatment plan.

Read more about our specialist unit > https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-harley-street-clinic/our-centres/the-breast-unit-at-the-harley-street-clinic