Common questions.

For private appointments, no GP referral is needed, you can book directly through the private secretary. For NHS care at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre, a GP referral letter is required.

Private appointments are arranged through the private secretary ({{CONFIRM with Holly: private secretary number}}) or via the enquiry form on the contact page. Spirecut™ procedures can also be booked directly through Hill Medical.

Most major insurers, including BUPA, Aviva, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality and others. Self-pay patients are also welcome, with clear costs given up front. Please obtain any pre-authorisation your insurer requires before your appointment.

Adults are seen privately at Nuffield Health, Derby; children and teenagers at Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield; Spirecut™ procedures at Hill Medical, Sheffield (or Nuffield, Derby). NHS care is at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Royal Derby Hospital.

The first appointment is mostly a conversation. Holly examines your hand or your child’s hand gently, listens to your aims, and explains what she finds in plain language, never rushed, and with time for your questions.

Not necessarily. Holly views surgery as a last resort for many conditions, and will work to control symptoms first with targeted hand exercises, splinting and injections where appropriate. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}

Yes, children and teenagers are a special interest, including congenital hand differences and the transition from children’s to adult services. Children are seen privately at Thornbury, Sheffield.

Spirecut™ is a novel, minimally-invasive, ultrasound-guided release for trigger finger and carpal tunnel, performed through a tiny opening without the larger incision of traditional open surgery. No GP referral is required.

It depends on the condition and treatment. Holly works closely with a team of hand therapists who provide pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, which is often central to a good recovery. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}

NHS waiting times to a first appointment can be several months, and any surgery is added to the NHS waiting list by clinical priority. NHS secretaries: Amanda Naylor & Ellie Owen, 01332 785254.