The Portland Hospital

Did you know UK teens get nearly two-thirds of their calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs)? As we enter the summer holidays, it's the perfect time to encourage healthier snacking habits.

Research from the University of Cambridge shows a need to reduce UPFs, which are high in sugars, fats, and additives. Specialist Paediatric Dietitian Rebecca Lyons from The Portland Hospital recommends:

✅ Fresh fruit
✅ Roasted chickpeas
✅ Cheese and crackers
✅ Yoghurt
✅ Hummus and veggie sticks
✅ Fruit smoothie

Click through to learn about the benefits of each.

Healthy eating in adolescence sets the foundation for lifelong good habits. Let's make this summer delicious and nutritious! 🌽🍇

In June we shared some of Bode’s story for National Scoliosis Week.

Bode was unaware of the excessive curvature developing in her spine until a school friend noticed it while they were changing for PE at the age of 12. Her mother, Cassie, promptly arranged a consultation with HCA UK Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon Mr Jonathan Lucas, who informed them that her spinal curve was advancing rapidly. “He said that without surgery, it would eventually affect my chest and lung capacity, and might hinder my ability to run and play sports,” Bode recalls.

Bode’s surgery was set at The Portland Hospital, where the medical team successfully implanted a titanium rod and a cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine, secured by 18 screws. “When comparing the X-rays before and after the operation, they managed to make my spine perfectly straight, which was incredible,” Bode says.

Read Bode’s inspiring story about her incredible recovery on our website here:

Bode's successful spinal surgery at just 14 When you're one of our patients, you can be confident that you're in the best possible hands. You'll be cared for by world-leading consultants and nurses, and have access to an exceptional standard of treatments and services. We continually invest in the latest technologies, and use the most advance...

The Portland Hospital is the only independent maternity hospital in the UK and the only private hospital with an onsite neonatal intensive care unit.

We aim to make sure you have the most comfortable, safe and enjoyable pregnancy and delivery possible.
You can choose between midwife or consultant-led care, safe in the knowledge that you and your baby will receive the highest level of support and expertise.

Find out more on our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/Services/Departments/Maternity

"I had a huge fear of birth and hospitals, so I wanted to have that 1-2-1 experience. For all three of my births, the consultants were incredible and were on call day or night."

Safia had her first healthy baby with The Portland Hospital in 2014 and she was so happy with the experience that she decided to come back again in 2018 and then again in 2020.

We’re looking back as she shares her positive birthing experience at the hospital, across all three births, and talks through how the team put her and her partner at ease throughout.

Read Safia’s story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/Patient-and-visitor-information/Patient-information/Patient-stories/Safias-three-positive-birthing-experiences-at-the-portland

Dr. Gergana Peeva is a highly qualified specialist in obstetrics and fetal medicine, boasting over 14 years of international clinical experience. She possesses expertise in delivering care to women facing both low and high-risk pregnancies, including those with multiple pregnancies and fetal conditions such as growth restriction and anomalies.

Find out more about Dr. Peeva here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/Finder/StepConsultantProfile/gergana-peeva

From your first consultation to the delivery of your baby and your final postnatal appointment, The Portland Hospital’s team of experts offer unparalleled care and support for you and your baby.

Our multidisciplinary team, made up of leading consultant obstetricians, midwives and nurses, work with you to create personalised care plans for you and your baby. Our hospital’s outstanding facilities include the UK’s only private on-site neonatal intensive care unit, a special care baby unit, and an adult high dependency unit, should you need additional, unexpected care. With your expert midwife assigned to you throughout your labour and delivery, a resident obstetric anaesthetist on-site 24/7 and an emergency theatre on the labour ward, we’re prepared for all eventualities, which means you are, too.

Find out more about our maternity services on our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/Services/Departments/Maternity

In June HCA Healthcare UK hosted the Spine Symposium, bringing together leading spinal consultants and pain consultants. The event focused on the latest advancements in treatment for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

From The Portland Hospital, Mr Jonathan Lucas shared his expert knowledge on paediatric spinal deformity with a specific focus on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The Portland Hospital recently held a Pride event on our amazing roof terrace, in the beautiful sunshine.

“We should take pride in who we are and treat others with kindness and respect. At the heart of Pride is inclusion, making everyone feel welcome, valued and heard and the evening was about coming together in love and friendship.” - Sharon Cooper, Maternity Coordinator.

Thank you to everyone at The Portland Hospital and HCA Healthcare UK for your support.

📸 Sharon Cooper

A fantastic review for Mr Rehan Salim - Clinical Director at Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital - from an IVF patient.

We take great pride in creating and delivering a positive experience for all of our patients.

Find out more about our services on our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/Locations/Hospitals/The-Portland-Hospital/Lister-Fertility-Clinic-at-The-Portland-Hospital

Every pregnancy journey is unique, and here at The Portland Hospital our priority is to understand your individual needs and concerns to make sure you receive the highest standard of care and have a safe delivery.

Join our Pregnancy Open Evening on Tuesday 23rd July and meet our expert team.

This event is an opportunity for you to have one-to-one sessions to ask questions, address any concerns and seek advice from our specialists. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your birthing options in detail to help you make informed decisions for your childbirth.

Sign up now: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/79Y2-ATI/thank-you-for-completing-the-portland-pregnancy-open-evenings-registration

Dr Charlotte Hall - Consultant Embryologist at Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital - gave a presentation at ESHRE - European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology yesterday about 'CSCM - A year of culture,’ focusing on the Irvine culture media system and the results we have obtained in the first full year of using it.

Charlotte is pictured with James Ilbert, Country Manager UK, Ireland and Benelux - Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, and Raj Joshi, Technical Application Specialist.

We're very proud that the Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital are the UK Fertility Clinic Sponsors for The Modern Family Show 2024.

Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-modern-family-show-london-2024-tickets-726689125737?aff=oddtdtcreator

*Online Virtual Event*

Want to find out more about Egg Freezing at Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital?

Join Dr. Linda Farahani, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine at Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital for an online webinar on Tuesday 9th of July, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Dr Farahani will explain more about IVF and will answer your questions.

Register here: https://email.hcahealthcare.co.uk/p/79Y2-8HU/thank-you-for-completing-the-hca-fertility-clinic-sign-up

A special day for the July/August babies graduating from The Bump Class course at The Portland Hospital (plus two lovely ladies not present in the picture who have just had their babies).

Offering eight-weeks of highly specialised antenatal classes, The Bump Class prepares you for childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting. To prepare you mentally, physically and emotionally for childbirth, your classes start in your final trimester.

Find out more about The Bump Class here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-portland-hospital/the-bump-class

📸 The Bump Class

July is Fibroid Awareness Month.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths made up of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around your womb (uterus). Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not necessarily exhibit any symptoms.

Fibroids can impact fertility by distorting the shape of the uterus or fallopian tubes, interfering with s***m movement or embryo implantation, and potentially causing recurrent miscarriages.

Find out more on our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/conditions/fibroids

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.

A fantastic patient story for National Scoliosis Day yesterday.

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

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

June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month.

On the day of her 14th birthday, Millie was driving from South Wales to London with her mum, Vicki, for her long-awaited scoliosis operation. "It was the best birthday present I could ask for," says Millie, who is from Blaenrhondda in the Rhonda Valley, "being given a perfectly straight back."

Read Millie’s story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/still-hula-hooping-after-scoliosis-surgery

There is still time to register for our Pregnancy Open Evening on Wednesday 26th June and meet our expert team.

This event is an opportunity for you to have one-to-one sessions to ask questions, address any concerns and seek advice from our specialists. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your birthing options in detail to help you make informed decisions for your childbirth.

Sign up now: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/79Y2-ATI/thank-you-for-completing-the-portland-pregnancy-open-evenings-registration

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

Naomi Hutchinson is our Medical Records Officer, and in October will be celebrating 39 years of working at The Portland Hospital.

We spoke to Naomi to find out more about her career path, her role and what she loves most about her job!

Did you know?

It is 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.

Swipe to see three frequently asked questions about cervical screening.

❓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.

Every pregnancy journey is unique, and here at The Portland Hospital our priority is to understand your individual needs and concerns to make sure you receive the highest standard of care and have a safe delivery.

Join our Pregnancy Open Evening on Wednesday 26th June and meet our expert team.

This event is an opportunity for you to have one-to-one sessions to ask questions, address any concerns and seek advice from our specialists. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your birthing options in detail to help you make informed decisions for your childbirth.

Sign up now: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/79Y2-ATI/thank-you-for-completing-the-portland-pregnancy-open-evenings-registration

We’re delighted with this fantastic testimonial for the team at The Portland Hospital.

From your first consultation to the delivery of your baby and your final postnatal appointment, The Portland Hospital’s team of experts offer unparalleled care and support for you and your baby.

Find out more on our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/specialties/maternity-care

We understand that the thought of giving birth can be both exciting and daunting - particularly if it is your first child.

At The Portland Hospital we’re here to ensure you have the best possible pregnancy and birthing experience. From antenatal classes to personalised midwifery care and yoga sessions, our goal is to ensure that every aspect of your journey to parenthood is supported with expertise, compassion, and excellence.

Explore our additional services and discover how we can assist you on your path to a healthy pregnancy and beyond here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/specialties/maternity-care/our-maternity-services/additional-services

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

"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 Pride Month, The Portland Hospital will be illuminated in the colours of the Pride flag for the entire month of June.

We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, valued and welcome. Our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is reflected in our policies and practices not just in June, but all year round.

This week is World Rhythm Heart week. This is Helaina’s story and her treatment for heart rhythm disorder at The Portland Hospital.

Helaina from Northamptonshire was just 16 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which rapidly worsened. She was otherwise fit, healthy and a huge lover of the great outdoors, leading to her family to grow concerned.

Read Helaina’s story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/treating-helainas-heart-rhythm-disorder

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! 🏳️‍🌈

❔ 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

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!

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

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.