Lateral access lumbar fusion in 1 Spine surgery clinic in Bushey

My wife has had a shocking experience. She had surgery moved over 4 times, paying for services she never received and when complained was only offered partial payment as a ‘goodwill gesture’, yet over a month later, Spire continue to earn interest and withhold the funds. Their response after agreeing to partial payment is to ‘seek legal advice’. They do not value their patients at all and continue to ignore emails. Disgraceful service.

My dad had his total knee replacement on Saturday 21st October at Spire Bushey and I have many good things to say and some special thanks to certain people working there who made the experience a positive one. My dad was diagnosed with arthritis over 15 years ago and told he needs a knee replacement in his 50s, but he held out mainly due to fear and decided he would rather walk being reliant on just one leg then get the other replaced. Fast forward to present day where my dad is now 69 years old we then met Dr Paddy Subramanian - he was very positive, informative and honest and my dad felt very reassured and confident in him, as did I - I wanted by dad to be treated well and also believed Dr Paddy would take care of him and we decided to go ahead. Dr Paddy in fact saw us twice as my dad started getting nervous and needed some additional reassurance and Dr Paddy certainly gave us that second time round also. He was very generous with his time The day of surgery came and we arrived at Spire reception and were escorted by Gary Mullins who was a very friendly and kind gentleman and gave my very nervous dad reassurance. It was a comforting start to what was a very nervous day and the service Gary provided was much needed as he was the first person to start our day. This kindness and comfort continued and didn’t stop with Gary- the nurses Herald and Jessica who worked in the Lea Ward on Saturday 21 October 2023 made the whole time spent in room 35 so comforting. They were very very kind, professional, personable, reassuring and took such FANTASTIC care of my dad. Two of the best nurses we have ever come across. Every patient / hospital needs a Gary, Jessica and Herald - 3 people I imagine any patient would instantly feel better by To anyone nervous about knee replacement - don’t be if you’re getting it done by Dr Paddy. My dad was terrified of getting this knee replacement for years and as was I for him! We had all sorts of nightmares including of him waking up mid surgery and seeing/ hearing / feeling the procedure. I unfortunately can’t remember the anaesthetists name but he did a fantastic job at providing the perfect amount of sedation. Its very early days for him as it’s only 2 days after surgery and there’s a long rough road to recovery and lots of work to do day in day out but far more positive now. The knee replacement surgery itself is rough when you think about what they are actually doing - but the reality was that although that might be true, it turned out to be the best and most comfortable surgery experience my dad has ever had. He woke up from surgery in a pretty good state and far better then any of his previous surgeries My dad was in room 35 which was a lovely room. Very comfortable, nice room with a nice bathroom. The hospital itself was extremely clean and nice also. The food was great and whoever prepared the omelette and crème brûlée did a great job as my dad really enjoyed it Also additionally, the Spire Diagnostic centre is where my dad had to go before surgery during the lead up for his checks. This place also gave my dad reassure and confidence for the surgery because the diagnostic centre is extremely impressive - very state of the art and the staff also great. Unfortunately I don’t know the names of the staff that did his tests during his first pre op assessment there but they did a great job Earl was the final person we saw during our stay there, he was super kind and friendly and his kindness left its mark I am a very grateful daughter. We were so nervous before but now so thankful to all those mentioned in this review Thank you Dr Paddy & the team that were all there in theatre with him for your expert work, thank you Herald, Jessica, Garry, Earl, Kwasi , the physio team and Spire Hospital Thank you all very much! Please pass on my thanks to all those mentioned in this review

Unfortunately in June 2021 Spire Bushey Hospital almost killed me. I had an operation there with an over night stay and there was a complication after surgery that was completely missed by the nurses and doctors during my over night stay despite me showing clear symptoms from the moment I came out of surgery. I was rushed to an NHS A&E 1 day later after being discharged from Bushey Hospital with in severe septic shock needed an emergency operation and almost died this followed a very agonising 3 week stay in an NHS hospital. Then Spire did their own internal investigation and got that wrong. Firstly they sent me the wrong patients details so I actually had someone else’s information of another person who had complained. Then they stated that a complication was ruled out when it wasn’t and stated all my observations were normal which they weren’t. They said I was sipping fluids fine but never measured that I was given a black opaque jug of water which was changed far too regularly by the domestic staff so it definitely wasn’t measured. I raised a formal complaint with them which they have taken months and months and months to reply to and still have not responded despite me trying to chase the complaint. My surgeon at Bushey has been very helpful and told me he was very surprised that they did not even speak to him or approach him during their internal investigation so even he has found it shocking. You’re staff nearly killed me, they shared the opinions using confirmation bias to explain away clear symptoms of Spesis and there was not a NEWS score in sight. One nurse didn’t even know how to take a tympanic temperature (from the ear). The education of their staff post surgery is something they failed on their CQC report in January 2021 and it clearly put patients like me at serious risk. Please, please, please do you research when choosing a hospital for your operation because it’s so important to find a place with competent staff to look after you or your loved ones. Your life is at stake. EDIT: 03/10/23. I have responded to their message and emailed the address they have given. I have had no response.

I had a good experience with Dr Carlos for MRI scans and follow-up appointments. However, the billing team and administration is very unorganized and has caused me a huge amount of stress and suffering. I am a full yinsured patient and they have been unable to submit my invoices to correct insurers, failed to communicate with me when my insurance companies have missed something, and start chasing down payments of plus 2 years old using debt collection agencies. Beware, stay away from the Schoen Clinics as they are very unprofessional. Have never experienced anything quite like this. In April 2023, a debt collection agency contacted me saying invoice over due with Schoen Clinic. I was shocked as my insurance company should have settled this 1 year ago. Cigna subseqeuntly settled the bill quickly on my behalf once I took lead on it. To be clear, I never recieved one piece of communication from Schoen Clinic saying the bill had not been settled by my insurance company and they went straight to debt collection agency even though I have a long history with the clinic as an insured patient. In November 2023, I get contacted again by a debt collection agency. Schoen were unable to tell me in April 2023 that there was also £175 invoice and a fee of £100 that had not been paid by Axa in 2020. Clearly at this point I am losing all hope with the Schoen Clinic and am insulted that they would raise these trivial amounts via agency this long ago. I struggle to even remember what they are for, have not recieved invoices and to make matters worse you cant even contact somebody in person to talk to about it.

Absolutely terrible. Didn’t help my knee at all. Left in the waiting room for 50mins for appt. Then I apparently had £12 bill outstanding. I had a baby. Then I find out they’ve passed the £12 bill to a debt collector who has rolled it up and added a load of fees.

This review is for the administration, not the health professionals, which I will post separately. I attended for a consultation on 14th March and paid an invoice that day which I was led to believe covered everything. At the end of July I was chased for an outstanding invoice of £400 for two x-rays which was supposedly raised on 15th March. I queried it, but to no avail. And only today have I finally received the actual invoice, 5 months late! In view of my being originally misinformed and the delay in providing the invoice, a small reduction? Not a chance!

Recently went in as a day case for a diagnostic procedure. From start to finish they made my time there almost enjoyable!!! The reception team, nurses , theatre staff and the Consultant were all brilliant. Communication was second to none and the teams we are all straightforward and uncomplicated. A credit to Fairfield Independent Hospital.

Absolutely shambles of a place can't run outpatient clinics on time .. Seems there time is more important than yours BE AWARE... It like there doing you a favour by operating clinics on a weekend ..!!! Unhelpful staff AVIOD ...

I am completely disgusted at how they view their patients. It seems as though the medical staff only show the care that comes with their job when you are employed or local to the surrounding area. If you are simply an independent carer for your autistic child then they will cast you aside, simply sending you somewhere else without even asking about your condition or symptoms. They truly know how to make you feel like a burden, as if you shouldn't have even stepped foot on the premises and I truly believe they are aware of this. I am a widowed Catholic mother of three with no support, visual issues and am single handedly guiding and aiding my autistic child through life. I come here for extrema pain in my back and they simply send me away after an uncaring talk. The medical staff and those incharge can easily solve this problem by climbing down from their ivory tower and acknowledging that we are all humans and are all entitled to the care we so rightly deserve. Absolutely foul.

I had knee meniscus arthroscopy surgery at RNOH hospital in Stanmore (via the Private Care Unit) and I was truly satisfied with the results. All of the staff were genuinely amazing in helping me feel welcomed, relaxed and taken care of. ***FYI, I found this hospital through the NHS hospitals reviews website as being the best in the UK when dealing with joints issues like mine.*** Special thanks to Dr Chethan Jayadev (my surgeon) and his team in the operation theatre. Also special thanks to the Senior Nurse Sima who made sure everything is prepared and ready for me before and after the operation - she was amazing in every given moment even when I was leaving the hospital she made sure I can hop in the car in a safe for my knee way... I mean wow it does not cost much to be nice to others. Frankly speaking my experience as being positive matched with the reviews I read about this hospital few years ago. It is nice to see that they are keeping up with the reputation and level of service. I wish you very best if you are planning to go for a surgery at this hospital and I am sure whichever path you choose either funded through NHS or though Private Health Insurance Provider you will be treated very well - saying that as I had the opportunity to see and experience both pathways and levels of treatments. ❤️👍

I would like to say a big thank you to mr Cullen and his team, the doctors,the nurses. You all have made my stay on private care very comfortable The food was nutrition lovely food well balanced menu which you can choose from every day The cleaners even helpful the rooms are bright colours really beautiful and well kept clean I really can't fault private care Thank you all so much for your wonderful care I received in here after having my ankle fusion

I recently had a spinal procedure under the care of Mr Leong. I am extremely grateful for the level of care and attention I received, from being offered alternatives before I was ready to take the plunge with surgery, to the surgery itself and after care. It was lovely to feel complete faith in my consultant but also to hear other doctors speak so highly of him. The whole team at RNOH were so helpful and attentive and I am truly grateful to Mr Leong, for his kind & caring attitude and for getting me back on my feet again.

Fantastic experience on two seperate occasions. I saw the Dermatologists and had bloods taken. Professional and friendly staff. I highly recommend their service.

Posting on behalf of my unwell partner, Helen. I had an email on 21st September cancelling her appointment in the ‘long covid clinic’ (she doesn’t have long covid…) and assuring a deposit refund in due course. It’s now two weeks later and no sign of the refund, which is not an inconsiderable amount of money. Very concerned about why they can’t seem to access our money (and other peoples by the look of it) to return it to us. We also thought it very bad practice that the cancellation email was a ‘no reply’ address and they don’t appear to have another email address. I have contacted them via their website contact form but of course have received no reply. I will now be contacting Citizens Advice regarding how to progress with this issue. In Conclusion: BEWARE.

This clinic is appalling. The only good thing about this clinic was the doctor who I saw who has now left - speaks volumes! My appointment was cancelled weeks ago and I STILL haven’t received a refund. I never received a copy of the doctor’s letter and neither did my local GP surgery which is partly what I paid for in my initial fee.

I felt I was in great hands from start to finish & very much appreciated the care shown. Everyone from the consultant, ward team & theatre team did their very best to provide fantastic care. The physiotherapists were also fantastic & really worked hard to get me mobile & discuss any worries. Having such a great, knowledgeable, caring & welcoming team really does put a very stressful situation at ease - The team at the Albyn is second to none.

Attentive and very friendly staff! I postponed my surgery for so many years and so glad that I did it at Albyn hospital. The whole experience was very smooth and professional. Wouldn't have minded to get pampered by the staff a bit longer. Thank you for the amazing experience!

All the nurses and other staff were really nice to me. Always making sure I was ok before and after the surgery. My only questions are about my surgery which will be discussed with my doctor in a few weeks. But overall I had a good staying at Albyn. Thank you.

I had and continue to receive a wonderful service. The surgeon Paul T explained the results, the next steps. His PA is prompt in responding to questions. The surgeon, PA and nursing staff are flexible, put me at ease. Never felt rushed. The facilities are what you would expect from an independent health provider. I cannot find fault with the staff as you walk off the street and the facilities.

Excellent hospital with great teamwork and service. I had knee arthroscopic meniscectomy surgery to fix my torn meniscus. Superb surgeon and anaesthetist. The hospital staff was excellent; they were friendly, helpful, and constantly available when needed. The food they served was excellent. A big thank you to Mr. Marston and his team, the anaesthetist, nurses, physiotherapist, and everyone that supported me during my stay. Thank you very much for looking after me! God Bless.

Lovely reception staff, lovely nurses and wonderfully professional consultant. Had to wait many hours for surgery without food or water but that sometimes cannot be helped, as surgery times vary so much patient to patient. Very clean with a nice waiting area too for relatives. Would recommend this hospital.