The reputation of weight loss surgery has been debated since the first modern gastric bypass was performed in 1954 by Kremen. Public opinion is often divided, and this is sometimes due to misconceptions about obesity as a condition and misinterpretation of existing data. Over the past 20 years, bariatric surgery has made a lot of progress and advancements both with scientific research and surgical techniques. During Obesity Awareness Week, Mr Georgios Vasilikostas, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at New Victoria Hospital, debunks 5 common myths around the risks and benefits of weight loss procedures.

While we face our third national lockdown, we would like to reassure our community that New Victoria Hospital is open and ready to look after our patients' health needs in a welcoming and safe environment.

The Hospital will be open as usual until Thursday, 24th December, when we will close at 3pm. The Hospital will reopen on Monday, 4th January 2021 at 6.30am. Remote Outpatient Consultations will be available between the 29th and the 31st of December. Physiotherapy appointments will also be available on Thursday, 31st December.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common joint ailments, especially during the current pandemic and the increased number of people working from home. Shoulder pain can depend on several causes. Our Orthopaedic Consultant, Mr Mo Imam, specialised in upper limb conditions and treatment talks about shoulder pain and the Big Four.

Movember may tend to focus on diseases that exclusively affect men, such as prostate or testicular cancer, but do you know that 1 in 10 men aged 50 have a heart age 10 years older than they are? Heart disease mortality is higher in men. Dr Manav Sohal, Consultant Cardiologist at New Victoria Hospital, shares some key facts about cardiovascular risk in men and how to keep your heart healthy.

November is the month dedicated to raising awareness for men's health. Often talks and social media campaigns are focused on prostate cancer, but it is also important to speak about testicular cancer. Testicular cancer, although rare, doesn't have to be overlooked, especially by young men. Mr Konstantinos Charitopoulos, Urological Surgeon at New Victoria Hospital, tells you which symptoms you should pay attention to and why is it so important to check your testicles regularly.

Dear patients,
We hope you are all well and keeping safe whilst absorbing the news of a second lockdown put in place by the Government.
We would like to reassure all our patients that New Victoria Hospital will continue to be open.

Patient empowerment is essential both as a process and outcome. Breast patients, Mona and Andrea, share their experience at New Victoria's One-Stop Breast Clinic, highlighting the importance of making informed decisions.

According to the current UK guidelines for breast cancer screening, mammography is recommended for all women between 50 and 71 years old, every 3 years. Some areas increase the age range to 47 to 73 years old. Breast cancer risk increases with age, however, it can be useful to speak to a breast specialist at a younger age. Prof Zoe Winters, Consultant Breast Surgeon at New Victoria Hospital, talks about the importance of early diagnosis and the benefits of our One-Stop Breast Clinic.

If you're thinking about starting treatment at New Victoria Hospital, there are two main ways to pay: private medical insurance, either through an employment scheme or your own personal cover, or Self Pay.

Self Pay can be a great option for many people who are looking for personalised, fast-access care. Here are six common misconceptions about Self Pay and private healthcare.