The idea for Northwood Hospital began back in 2021 when a team of clinicians struggled to find operating space to look after their patients.  After two years of searching for the correct building, location, architect, project manager and funding, finally the team were ready to begin, and construction began in November 2024. Preparation to open Northwood Hospital to patients commenced in July of 2025 when the majority of the building team and specialist contractors started to tidy up and move out.

Chris, the Theatre Manager, had been busy in the office since January working through the purchase of a huge spreadsheet of all the equipment from medical beds to syringes.  It all started to arrive and the team spent over four weeks unpacking the high tech kit, tagging all assets, and testing each and every item to check it would perform when needed.   Then equipment had to then be independently tested a second time for safety by an external expert in the field.

Once the team were happy the next stage was multiple thorough deep cleans of every room before the equipment could be moved into place.  New protocols and procedures were implemented to aid the patient journey and fulfil safety standards.  Finally the team were ready to begin staff training in all of the new departments ranging from the use of the new evacuation chairs, to effective electronic methods of checking the crash trolleys.

I was lucky enough to be invited to join the team as a “patient” in a practice run before opening so that they could check that all the processes worked in a safe and effective manner.  I decided to arrive by car and was pleasantly pleased that I could park on level ground literally just outside the main entrance.  There were even EV chargers if I had used an electric car.  I walked into the reception area and was greeted by the lovely Elina who welcomed me in and offered me a seat.  I was delighted to recognise a painting by the local Bristol artist Serena Curmi, which was very calming to look at while I waited.

Eloise, my health care assistant arrived and took me through to the ward where I would be staying the night.  She chatted to me about my visit, and expertly took my blood pressure and pulse while I relaxed in a very comfortable arm chair which felt much more hotel like than being in hospital.  The only giveaway was the hospital bed, and sophisticated array of medical devices that would support me after surgery.  It was very reassuring to be shown how to press the emergency call bell if I needed anyone.

What I noticed immediately was how calm, quiet and private my room felt.  Eloise told me that the paint colours had been chosen specifically for that purpose, and that I could sit back, relax and have a look at the menu and choose my evening meal.

The last time I was a patient in a private hospital the food choice was slightly disappointing, and I recovered with a slightly limp cheese sandwich with some random crisps on the side, so it was a pleasant surprise to be able to choose from four fabulous main courses and array of enticing desserts.  I plumped for the beef and mushroom casserole with seasonal roasted vegetables followed by apple crumble and custard, and at that moment Louise arrived to take my order and to check whether I needed anything.  She also double checked whether I had any food allergies, and told me all about the system the team had set up to make sure that each individual visitor had their allergy status clearly documented to avoid errors in the kitchen, and in the delivery of food.

Next one would usually change into a surgical gown, stockings and slippers ready for theatre.  Instead we took a short stroll down the corridor through the access controlled doors into the operating suite.

It was very exciting to be inside the operating theatre safe in the knowledge that I was there for no surgical action.  I had a good look around at all the fabulous new kit, and was shown the surgeons panel, the air handling unit, the anaesthetic machine, and the special white boards.  Chris demonstrated the entire surgical process from start to finish, and he also explained the safety back ups in the event of a power cut.

We then headed into recovery where Rebecca warmly welcomed us.  She explained what she would be looking for on the various monitors by each bed, and told us how she would know when someone was ready to leave, or need more interventions.  I was reassured to see the difficult airway trolley and crash trolley  sitting just outside within easy reach should there be any problems.

After the excitement it was back to the ward for a well earned cup of tea and biscuits.  I was one of the first people to sleep overnight in the hospital and had my own list of items to check.  Was it noisy?  Did any of the lights disturb me? Was I able to control the room temperature easily? The attention to detail was frightening – the team had even asked the ward nurses to walk up and down the corridor during the night to make sure their footsteps didn’t disturb me.

I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed, and was able to use the complementary “Bramble” products in my en-suite bathroom to shower.  After dressing in my own clothes it was time for a full cooked breakfast and a full debrief. I was rather reluctant to leave the Northwood Hospital for my home office.  It really did feel like a mini spa break rather than a hospital visit, and I feel that they really have raised the bar when it comes to private healthcare. I have no doubt that if I need any treatment in the future I will be booking my place, and staying an extra few days to recuperate!