Practice Plus Group

Off By Ed Hanna

Practice Plus Group is the largest independent provider of healthcare services to the NHS. We believe passionately that anyone should be able to access excellent care, whether via the NHS or privately. Our breadth of expertise spans surgery, diagnostic imaging, prison healthcare and urgent care including the NHS 111 service.

We talked to some of our team about their roles at Practice Plus Group…

Following his final tour of duty in Afghanistan with RAF bomb disposal, James trained as an operating department practitioner (ODP) working for the RAF in Peterborough and on secondment to the Navy. In 2017 he met with the theatre manager at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth and was offered a job. He has been with the hospital ever since.

While with the hospital, James had the opportunity to study to become a PA on the University of Plymouth’s MSc Physician Associates Studies programme funded by Practice Plus Group. Mark White, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth commented: “We saw this as a long-term project that encouraged the development of staff, but also allowed us to give greater flexibility in our hospital. It is part of our commitment to ensuring our patients have access to the best care available delivered by highly qualified and proficient healthcare professionals.”

Leigh is our head of healthcare at HMP Wakefield. Previously, she was an Army combat medic and operating department practitioner. She was deployed to Basra, Iraq as well as Camp Bastion.

Leigh’s Military experience has given her an insight into the issues faced by those with Service-related PTSD. She said: “Sometimes former Military personnel in prison have problems with the usual therapy our patients receive. When they recall what they have seen, they worry that the person listening will never be able to understand, no matter how compassionate, empathetic or well-meaning they are.

I was fortunate. I came out into a great support network. I also joined Practice Plus Group where I found the training, support and opportunities that have enabled me to carve out a career. Now I can help to ensure we provide excellent day-to-day care for prisoners, but I can also influence the support Veterans receive in the 47 English prisons where we provide healthcare and that is a great feeling.”

Pride
We are proud to be at the forefront of developing new and exciting ways to support the nation’s health too, including a mobile sight-saving service and the pioneering of one-day joint replacement surgery, that allows people to recuperate in the comfort of their own home.

Most of all we are proud of our teams and their commitment to their patients, colleagues and their own development. We champion this with training that ranges from apprenticeships to support with Masters qualifications, as well as providing access to mentors and a structured career pathway.

To find out about current opportunities in our team, visit: www.practiceplusgroup.com/careers