As it was revealed today that Princess Kate had been admitted to the London Clinic for tummy tuck surgery, I couldn’t help but think about my stay there as I reassured myself that she is in safe hands.
Kensington Palace announced today that the Princess of Wales underwent successful “planned” surgery on Tuesday and will remain in hospital for up to 14 days.
She is unlikely to return to royal duties until after Easter, with Prince William expected to spend his time looking after her and their three children in the meantime.
Announced on the same day that King Charles III revealed he will undergo prostate enlargement surgery next week, Princess Kate will be out of action for much longer than her father-in-law after the procedure at the clinic previously used by Prince Philip and Princess Daisy.
In May 2021, I was also admitted to the capital’s private hospital, where I stayed for five nights after a grueling five-hour surgery – and far from feeling like a hospital, it was like staying in a 5-star hotel.
Dibble Mistry was also admitted to the London clinic in May 2021 for five nights after surgery
The Princess of Wales is expected to remain in hospital for up to 14 days before spending two to three months recovering
Kate will be well looked after, with the food so good I’d happily go back to the hospital just for it.
It was plentiful and fresh and arrived piping hot on a silver trolley for every meal – plenty of choice too.
At each meal Kate will be able to choose from soups, salads, small plates and main meals – with a choice of sides, light bites and desserts.
Breakfast had a choice of the usual cereals and toast, but unlike the NHS I could also choose from a range of pastries, hot breakfast items – which included scrambled eggs and pancakes – and even avocado on toast.
Although the impact of the coronavirus meant I couldn’t explore much of the hospital outside of my room, it was certainly a world away from any private room stay I’ve had in an NHS hospital.
The bathroom was stocked with Molton Brown toiletries, the blinds and room temperature were controlled by a remote control, and the ceiling was full of stars that I could light up in a heartbeat.
The care itself was also significantly better, with staff having the luxury of time to introduce themselves each time they entered the room.
They would explain everything they were going to do and why they were going to do it – keeping me informed every step of the way in my treatment process. They even offered to help me wash my hair!
But most importantly, they made me feel like I mattered and that they wanted to help my recovery.
The whole time I spent at the London Clinic, from the successful operation to recovery, the staff were amazing.
Police officers stand guard outside the London Hospital where Kate, Princess of Wales is recovering from surgery
Dibble Mistry: ‘Whatever Kate is in hospital, I know she will definitely be looked after’
One morning they demonstrated their dedication to my care and comfort particularly well: a staff member arrived to draw blood, but just couldn’t find a vein.
Instead of pushing and shoving me until they found one, they immediately went and found a more senior member of the team to do the test. I felt completely safe.
The best part of it all was the afternoons when I could go to the kitchen and order cakes every day. I would happily go back to experience this kind of service again – and the extensive food selection.
All in all, the delightful menu coupled with efficient nursing and attentive advisors made for a wonderful week.
It’s no surprise that the hospital, which first opened its doors in 1932, has hosted past patients including former US President JKF and even esteemed actress Elizabeth Taylor.
Since the 1980s, a number of facilities at the site have been officially commissioned by members of the royal family.
The King, then Prince of Wales, opened the physiotherapy department in 1989, while Princess Margaret opened the MRI unit in 1991 and the late Queen unveiled a new cancer unit in 2010.
Kate will be well looked after, with the food so good I’d happily go back to the hospital just for it
Breakfast had a choice of the usual cereals and toast, but unlike the NHS I could also have chosen from a range of pastries, hot breakfast items – which included scrambled eggs and pancakes – and even avocado on toast
At each meal Kate will be able to choose from soups, salads, small plates and main meals
The Princess of Wales is expected to spend 10 to 14 days in hospital and two to three months recovering. He is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter, at the end of March.
But whatever Kate is in the hospital, I know she will definitely be taken care of.
Among its facilities, the London Clinic has a state-of-the-art cancer center that accommodates patients for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments.
In 2019, it even unveiled a specialized robotic surgery center.
The latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), carried out in June 2021, rated the London Clinic as ‘good’ overall.
According to the health watchdog, the hospital has about 23,000 inpatients a year, with another 110,000 outpatients.
It is registered to provide surgery as well as diagnostic and preventive measures, treatment of disease, disorder or injury, management of blood supply and blood products.
The building at 20 Devonshire Place has seven main operating theaters and three additional theatres, as well as six surgical specialties in urology, gynaecology, thoracic surgery, orthopedics and spine surgery.
