London Bridge Hospital

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.

HCA Healthcare UK Canary Wharf Outpatients is designed with professionals in mind.

✔️ Convenient GP and consultant appointment times with scans and tests in a single visit – whenever it suits.

✔️ Comfortable waiting areas with space to plug in, take calls and meet online. Easy registration with everything on one floor.

✔️ Full admin support from booking appointments to arranging call-backs and providing reports.

✔️ Accelerated access to the UK’s leading private network of hospitals and outpatient facilities.

Doors open on 1st July...

Exceptional care, delivered with compassion and expertise.​

Your wellbeing is our priority and our dedicated team ensures a comfortable and supportive environment throughout your stay. Meanwhile, our expert consultants collaborate to deliver the best possible outcomes for your unique needs.​

To find out more about our services, visit https://facilities.hcahealthcare.co.uk/london/london-bridge-hospital-part-of-hca-healthcare-uk

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.

The countdown begins...​

Take a first look inside our outpatient centre in Canary Wharf as we get ready to open our doors very soon.​

To learn more about our expansion in Canary Wharf, visit https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/london-bridge-hospital/hospital-campus/hca-uk-canary-wharf

Your comfort and safety are our priority. ​

At London Bridge Hospital, our dedicated team is committed to creating a comfortable and seamless experience for you. This allows you to focus entirely on your recovery and getting back to your normal routine.​
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Learn more about our services and treatments https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/london-bridge-hospital/specialties-and-treatments

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

Meet Timothy, a 77-year-old farmer who lives and works on a conservation farm in Zambia, Southern Africa. As a farmer, his mobility is so important however he has Type 2 diabetes with diabetic neuropathy and in 2022 his left foot developed an ulcer and due to severe inflammation of the bone, he was advised to have a forefoot amputation.​

Timothy and his wife Fiona travelled to London Bridge Hospital to salvage as much of Timothy’s toe as possible so he would be able to continue to walk independently. “I wanted to avoid having a second amputation as this would mean I'd have difficulty in walking and perform my daily duties as a farmer. Not only were Dr Prashanth Vas and Professor Venu Kavarthapu Kavarthapu able to preserve my foot but they also managed to reconstruct my toe by removing my bunion,” says Timothy. ​

From prevention to foot reconstruction, our Diabetic Foot Clinic provides multidisciplinary expertise to restore mobility and promote limb preservation. We offer care and treatment at all stages – from assessing the risks of future ulceration and providing specialist evaluation for diabetic foot ulcer control to major corrective surgery.

To find out more about Timothy’s story, visit https://bit.ly/3yZriAO

"It’s easy for the symptoms of artery disease to be masked by diabetes so it's important to regularly monitor your heart if possible,“ says Mr Chris Young, Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

Saleem, 57, keeps an active lifestyle to remain fit and healthy. He plays badminton once a week and goes for a walk in the morning and evening every day. Despite having type 2 diabetes, he continues to have a balanced and energetic life. However, “Saleem had a serious condition – his arteries were blocked, and his heart wasn’t receiving enough oxygen. Type 2 diabetes is sometimes known to suppress cardiac symptoms, and it’s easy for the symptoms of artery disease to be masked by diabetes. But thankfully, we caught the symptoms early for Saleem,” Mr Young highlighted.​

To find out more about Saleem’s story, visit: https://bit.ly/4cgHKuO

"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.

🏳️‍🌈 In honour of month, our main hospital is illuminated with the colours of the rainbow flag.

At London Bridge Hospital, we believe exceptional healthcare is built on a foundation of inclusion, compassion and respect for our patients and for each other. We are incredibly proud of our team who are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all.

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!

When it comes to your heart, or those of your loved ones, make sure you’ve got the best team with you.

As the UK’s No.1 for private cardiac care, we treat more patients for heart-related conditions than any other UK private provider, offering fast access to expert treatment and specialised tests. So when more than 99% of our patients say they would recommend us, it’s a recommendation you can trust.

To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/43HObm3.
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Reema was 29 years old when she was diagnosed with hashtag and her symptoms were significantly affecting her quality of life. “I wasn't able to use my right hand for long periods of time. Getting that diagnosis, I was scared of ending up in a wheelchair,” she recalls.

Dr Majid Kazmi, Consultant Haematologist, referred her for AHSCT for her multiple sclerosis. Fast forward after her treatment, Reema is now able to carry her son and run after him. To find out more about AHSCT and hear Reema’s full story, visit​ https://bit.ly/3VnTjed

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.

What are the causes of atrial fibrillation? Dr Jonathan Behar, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, shares his expert insights on heart health, focusing on atrial fibrillation (AF).​

​According to British Heart Foundation, it is estimated that there are 270,000 people in the UK who are undiagnosed and completely unaware they have atrial fibrillation. The most common symptoms or AF are palpitations, breathless and dizziness. However, some people experience no symptoms, which makes it challenging to identify the condition and its associated risks. Also, atrial fibrillation can be intermittent which further complicates its early detection. ​

​In an interview with The Times, Dr Behar talks about the medical problems associated with atrial fibrillation and the significant prevalence of the condition in the UK. To read the full article, visit https://bit.ly/4e0jpv8

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

At HCA Healthcare UK we are committed to the care and improvement of human life above all else. That’s why “we are determined to ensure that our patients have access to choice. The ability to choose the hospitals that have the best consultants, the latest technology and the best clinical infrastructure to guide safe high-quality care,” says John Reay, HCA UK President and CEO.​

​Pioneered here at London Bridge Hospital, we are incredibly proud to bring the da Vinci Single Port technology to the UK for the first time, adding to our robotic capability and the choice available to our patients. Mr Ben Challacombe, Professor Chris Eden and Mr Declan Cahill are leading the introduction of this technology into the UK which will initially support patients undergoing surgery for urological conditions including prostate, kidney and bladder cancers.​

​To find out more about da Vinci Single Port, visit https://bit.ly/4beytTD

https://www.med-technews.com/news/latest-medtech-news/transformative-first-in-uk-robotic-assisted-surgery-launches-at-HCA-healthcares-london-bridge-hospital/

'Transformative, first in UK' robotic-assisted surgery launches at HCA Healthcare's London Bridge Hospital HCA Healthcare UK (HCA UK), becomes the first healthcare provider in the UK, to offer patients access to robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci Single Port (SP) system. This enables complex minimally invasive surgery through only one incision.

Do you regularly monitor your blood pressure? ​

Professor Gerald Carr-White, Consultant Cardiologist, suggests you should have an at-home blood pressure monitoring kit if you have high blood pressure or are looking to monitor your numbers. Additionally, they can be very useful in helping "get rid of the white coat element often seen in GP centres and hospitals. Make sure to still visit your GP for blood pressure check to ensure the accuracy of your own kit", says Professor Carr-White.​

​To learn more about the effects of high blood pressure and how to treat it, visit https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/conditions/high-blood-pressure for more information.

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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

In light of , we're celebrating our incredible nurses all week long! Today, we're treating them to a delicious afternoon tea with cupcakes (and chocolates) as a small token of our appreciation for their dedication and exceptional care.

This week, in recognition of both International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, we've been celebrating our incredible nurses and midwives across HCA UK.

As part of our celebrations, we hosted a special event at the Royal Society of Medicine bringing together colleagues to reflect on our shared achievements, look to the road ahead and of course, say a huge 'thank you' for the care they provide to our patients.

“Nurses and midwives, show up; they come together as a team, and they support each other to achieve incredible things. I am proud to be a member of this community and I am constantly inspired by the meaningful contribution our nurses and midwives make, and by the expertise and the kindness and compassion they show every day.”

Carol Kefford OBE, Chief Nursing Executive

So here's to all of our incredible nurses and midwives - thank you for your dedication to exceptional patient care.

📸 A few images from our event at the Royal Society of Medicine!

As record numbers sign up for the 2025 London Marathon, Dr. Robin Chatterjee, Consultant in Musculoskeletal, Sport & Exercise Medicine at, Chelsea and Chiswick Outpatients Centres, and the The ISEH - Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, all part of HCA Healthcare UK, discusses how a sudden enthusiasm for running has led to a spike in conditions like tendonitis and shin splints. 🏃‍♀️

To combat these injuries, Dr. Chatterjee advocates for a holistic approach to treatment, considering factors such as weight, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, mental health, gynaecological factors, family history, and medication. This comprehensive approach aims to address underlying issues and tailor treatment plans to individual needs. "I look at the whole person, including any lifestyle or medical factors that brought upon this pain. At least half of my patients are actually experiencing a non-musculoskeletal issue manifesting in physical pain and injury, so we explore lots of different areas. It’s a very holistic approach."

For certain patients, this could involve addressing an underlying medical condition contributing to foot and ankle pain. Alternatively, it might entail modifying the training routine to alleviate strain on bones, tendons, and ligaments, opting for footwear with better support, achieving a healthier balance between exercise and rest, or addressing emotional concerns.

Before embarking on a running regimen, it's advisable to seek guidance from a sports medicine specialist or physiotherapist to ensure a safe and sustainable approach.

Read more about Dr. Robin Chatterjee’s holistic approach to treating running injuries here: https://lnkd.in/eKaipTqw

Do you know the risk factors for ovarian cancer?

There are various risk factors that can increase your chance of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This could be a lifestyle risk factor, a genetic risk factor or an increased risk relating to your age.

This we caught up with Mr Ahmad Sayasneh, expert Consultant Gynaecologist, to understand more about risk factors and what you can do to manage your personal risk. To find out more, visit https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/blogs/ovarian-cancer-risk-factors-and-ways-to-reduce-your-risk

Meet Sally Rowe, Critical Care Matron at The Harley Street Clinic. Sally has over 34 years of experience providing care in an Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) setting. Here she explains more about her role and her advice for those considering a career in ITU nursing…

As a bedside nurse and shift leader, having the knowledge, skills, and experience to support patients who need the highest levels of care is essential. So too is being able to offer support and clear communication to their friends and family.

"I am guided by a mantra of care, compassion, and dignity, it’s so important for me that I care for patients in the way I would hope to be cared for if I were in their situation. I feel hugely privileged to work with such a dedicated and expert team of colleagues at The Harley Street Clinic. We really do support each other to provide the best care that we can, and we do it with comradery and mutual respect."

For those considering a career in an ITU Sally recommends gaining at least a year of experience on general wards for a better patient journey perspective and to also be prepared for challenging but fulfilling experience;

“When I first embarked on my ITU career I was in awe of how skilled and knowledgeable the ICU nursing team was, and I never thought I could get to that level. It was a steep learning curve but very rewarding.”

Huge thanks to Sally for sharing her experience, and to the over 200 specialist ITU colleagues we have across our hospitals.

Find out more about careers with us in ITU here: https://hcacareers.co.uk/

"When it comes to matters of the heart, more awareness is needed for women." - The Times

"It's estimated that more than 800,000 women in the UK are living with coronary heart disease and it is known to kill twice as many women as breast cancer every year. Yet according to British Heart Foundation, there persists the mistaken perception that heart attacks are something that only happy to men."

"Women under the age of 50 seem particularly unaware of the risks", says Dr Hannah Douglas, Consultant Cardiologist, who specialises in treating female heart disease. Several recent studies, including a paper in the European Heart Journal, have suggested that heart attacks and deaths from heart disease have been rising among women under 65.

When looking "for a stock photo to use in a presentation, all that's usually available is an image of a middle-aged, slightly overweight and stressed-looking man in a suit who is clutching his heart. This has become the image many women think of in relation to heart disease and this is why it's such a revelation when we tell them their health might be at risk", says Dr Douglas.

Heart disease risk factors & tips for women, from Dr Hannah Douglas:
1. Increased blood pressure
2. Increased waistline/BMI
3. Increased cholesterol levels
4. Make sure its menopause and not heart disease
5. Consider taking HRT
6. Keep up high cardiovascular activities
7. Keep moving - even into your 90s

If you're concerned about your risk factors for heart disease, we recommend speaking with your GP. At HCA Healthcare UK, we offer same-day and next-day GP appointments. Visit the link below or give us a call on 020 8131 0583 to book an appointment.

https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/private-gp-services