McIndoe Surgical Centre has a fascinating history. Their building once housed the Queen Victoria Hospital’s burns unit, originally established by Sir Archibald McIndoe. He is recognised for his pioneering treatment of airmen burned and injured during the Second World War. The standards of excellence he set in plastic and reconstructive surgery have continued to be developed in the aspects of surgery undertaken at McIndoe Surgical Centre.

The McIndoe Surgical Centre have chosen to concentrate on specific surgical specialties and employ consultants, theatre, ward and outpatient nurses who are specialists in their fields.

The McIndoe Surgical Centre is part of the BMI Healthcare Group and as a result we can take a more flexible approach, offering each patient the individual attention and care he or she needs. We recognise that when a patient feels secure, relaxed and happy, he or she is likely to make a speedier recovery.

The hospital offers all the discreet comfort and style of a respected private hospital. But what makes it unique is our relationship with the Queen Victoria Hospital, which under a formal agreement, provides emergency medical back up in the rare event of post-operative complications. That’s extra reassurance for our patients and their families.

Review by Rosie Kitchen - Posted on 01/01/2007

- Rating: (5.00) Overall Rating : Customer Service : Surgeon : Technology Available : Value for Money :

At the age of 47, I was lucky enough to take part in LIVINGtv’s ‘Extreme Makeover’ series in 2005, when I received a number of procedures at the McIndoe Clinic. My surgeon was Mr Peter Arnstein, and I cannot speak highly enough of his skills. He explained all the procedures clearly, without minimising the risks, and even recommended further reading before I made any decision. I was planning on a full face and neck lift, eyelid tuck and brow lift, plus nose reshaping, breast augmentation and liposuction to inner and outer thighs and inner knee area – quite a long list so a lot to take in! But Mr Arnstein made it clear that if I had any questions later, I would be welcome to telephone to discuss any concerns I might have.
I was given a very thorough pre-op examination by the friendly nursing staff, and nervously arrived on Friday for Saturday’s 6-hour operation. All the staff were so helpful and reassuring, the rooms were delightful and the catering was excellent. I really can’t praise the whole set up, from the cleaning staff to the surgeons, highly enough.
Despite the fact that the whole operation was to be filmed for the programme, I was completely put at ease by the anasthetician (?) who assured me that he had complete control throughout the operation and would not hesitate to stop filming if he felt it necessary at any time. Mr Arnstein made me feel, as I’m sure all his patients did, full of confidence, and I really did have absolute faith in his skills.
The operation was a great success, and though I obviously had some pain afterwards, the nursing staff were great with pain relief and by Sunday I was up and about and enjoying the excellent cuisine! By Monday I was keeping moving and doing some exercise, and on Tuesday was keen to get back to our hotel. However, I did stay one more night but by Wednesday returned to the London hotel where all the Extreme Makeover ‘girls’ were staying, with supplies of painkillers and other medication clearly explained to me.
The next Saturday I returned for a check-up with Mr Arnstein and to have the plaster cast removed from my nose – what a wonderful day! The new nose looked great and I was also stunned by the rest of the ‘improvements’! It was a lot to take in all at once, but throughout the whole experience, the McIndoe Clinic’s caring and professional attitude was a great comfort. The pre- and post-operative care was faultless, and I had no problems following my operation despite the variety of procedures I had. Obviously, due to the fact that I was extremely lucky and received all this treatment free of charge, I cannot comment of the costs of these procedures, but I can confirm that I received the best treatment at all times, even though I was not a paying customer.
I would recommend this clinic to anyone considering a cosmetic procedure as the pre-operative advice was clear and comprehensive, and the post-operative care second to none – in fact it’s well worth a visit for the food alone which was far superior to the food we received in our London hotel!
And now 15 months on I still smile every morning when I look in the mirror, and silently thank Mr Arnstein and the team at the McIndoe for their wonderful work. I now look far younger than my 49 years and will always be grateful for the new lease of life I was given.