World Class

Richard Longes, Business Development Manager at Queens Square Private Healthcare shares his experiences of pioneering global work and medical practice taking place in central London 

Queen Square Private Healthcare is the UK’s largest and most specialised hospital dedicated to neurological illness. In partnership with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, the top neuro unit in the UK and the third ranked neurology hospital in the world, I have the privilege of experiencing at first hand, the pioneering work carried out by our team of specialist consultants. Add to this, the fact that Queen Square is surrounded by numerous institutes and units at the forefront of neurological research, from Parkinson’s’, MS and dementia to brain tumours, and now research into long covid and it’s not difficult to appreciate the importance given to delivering world-class medical care.  

Having worked in the private healthcare sector in London since 2008 - the changes and advances over this period of time, are immense. A review of industry statistics reveals that many facilities have invested significantly in increased bed capacity, improved diagnostic and imaging equipment and an expanded staff network of both clinical and non-clinical expertise. All of this equates at a better patient journey, with the ability to support specialist consultants to undertake more advanced treatment and improve patient outcomes. 

Harley Street and Marylebone have historically been the epicentre of the private healthcare community. Today, London is itself, a centre of excellence. 

What has been interesting to observe is the number of new specialists coming to market. Cleveland Clinic and Mayo (US) are now setting up practices in London, GenesisCare (Australia) is working in collaboration with the Cromwell Hospital, orthopaedic pioneers The Schoen Clinic (Germany), and preventative health screening clinic Echelon Health. All of these providers, new or established, large or small, make up a vast network of clinics and services. 

NHS private units are also making in-roads into the market. However, it has taken a significant period of time to implement this change. Several NHS Trusts now have well run private units; the most recent NHS hospital being UCLH, with The Royal Marsden having recently opened an outpatient centre on Cavendish Square. 

Medical stories relating to the history of the city are an enriching back-story. Due to the success of the movie The Kings’ Speech, many will be familiar with Lionel Logue, the rogue Australian speech therapist. Recently, I found out about the pub on the corner of Queen Square called The Queen’s Larder. This establishment takes its name from Queen Charlotte, the wife of 'Mad King' George III, who was receiving treatment for his apparent insanity at a doctor’s house in the square. The Queen assisted in nursing her husband by cooking for him and rented a small cellar beneath the pub, where she kept special food for him. 

Working in healthcare is a massive privilege. I have the privilege of working alongside world class consultants. No one would choose to be a patient but invariably, at some point, everyone will be. When that time comes it is hugely reassuring to know that you’re in the best hands.  

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