Dr John Quinn, Medical Director at VisitHealth discusses their recently-opened West London clinic. Notably, this clinic is a Fujifilm UK reference site, boasting advanced medical technologies including a powerful MRI scanner, AI-enhanced ultrasound, and more. Dr Quinn discusses how this clinic is reshaping healthcare standards.
Could you elaborate on the key features of VisitHealth’s unique healthcare model and how it prioritises rapid, connected and personalised care?
VisitHealth was launched in the UK in 2017 as a private provider of care services via home visits, with little to no similar providers in the market. In 2023, our flagship clinic opened in an iconic West London building to offer patients rapid access to end-to-end treatment, using the most advanced diagnostic and medical technologies, all under one roof.
The service has been designed to deliver the highest standard in confidential, convenient and coordinated care. The clinic is open seven days a week, 12 hours a day (extending to 24 hours from early 2024), and patients can walk in to receive a rapid clinical assessment, after which they can proceed directly to testing or same-day treatment as required.
No GP referrals are required to access our services. We always accommodate self-referrals, and we believe in empowering patients to make informed healthcare decisions. Our focus is on delivering personalised treatment plans tailored to individual needs and lifestyles while maintaining the utmost respect for patient privacy.
What services will the VisitHealth Clinic offer during its operating hours, including GP, nurses, out-of-hours urgent care and specialists on-demand?
Our team of specialist doctors, general practitioners, nurses and imaging specialists are available to deliver:
● Imaging services (X-ray, Ultrasound, MRI, endoscopy)
● Urgent care and Treatment of minor injuries (bites, cuts, sprains, fractures)
● Treatment of common illnesses
● Cardiac and laboratory diagnostics
● Specialist consultations
● Vaccinations
● IV therapy
● Inpatient daycare
● Physiotherapy
You mentioned that the clinic will soon operate 24 hours a day. Can you share more details about this expansion and its benefits?
From early 2024, we will be open to patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a very important milestone for us, as we are committed to providing the most accessible and convenient medical care in London. We understand that for many people, schedules can be unpredictable, work and family routines can be demanding, and your health does not operate on a 9-5 schedule. We are moving towards 24/7 opening hours because we believe in delivering timely care, and we want to ensure that our patient’s well-being is never compromised by the constraints of traditional healthcare hours.
What can other countries and providers learn from the VisitHealth clinic in expanding and improving their healthcare offerings?
Healthcare services should be built around the needs and unique circumstances of their patients – not the other way around. Providers must prioritise delivering treatments in the most convenient locations, so unnecessary journeys and travel time can be avoided, and wait times eliminated wherever possible. I strongly believe that providers have a responsibility to adopt the latest, most advanced technologies into their practice, in order to ensure that their patients are receiving the most accurate diagnoses and the most effective treatments currently available.
I would be delighted to see the VisitHealth model of personalised care delivery being replicated by other countries and providers.
Can you explain the significance of the clinic being a Fujifilm UK reference site and how it benefits patients in terms of advanced medical technologies?
Fujifilm Healthcare UK is a world-renowned leader in the production of medical devices. As a Fujifilm Reference Site, the VisitHealth clinic hosts several of the most sophisticated technologies that Fujifilm has ever created, including a uniquely lightweight 3.5kg portable X-ray generator (The FDR Xair), a world-leading open MRI solution (The Oasis Velocity), and a top of the range ultrasound device with AI and ML technology (the Arietta 850 with DeepInsight).
The benefit to our patients is that they have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the technologies their doctor uses are of the highest possible standard, designed to deliver the most accurate diagnosis and the very best outcomes.
Could you provide more information about the medical technologies available at the clinic, such as the 1.2 Tesla wide board MRI scanner and the ultrasound device with AI and ML technologies?
We are the only clinic inside London to have obtained one of the world’s most powerful wide-bore open MRI machines for the clinic, the Oasis Velocity. The wide bore scanner has a 1.2 tesla magnetic field, which represents a significant leap in diagnostic imaging capabilities, whilst also offering a revolutionary open design – which is ideal for claustrophobic and bariatric patients. The Oasis Velocity generates highly detailed images of internal structures, facilitating precise and accurate diagnoses for our patients.
We’ve also installed a premium diagnostic ultrasound system at the clinic, the Arietta 850, which achieves ultimate image quality, excellent noise reduction, stable penetration and high spatial resolution with DeepInsight technology.
What is the impact of having a mobile X-ray machine and high-end endoscopy equipment (ELUXEO) on the clinic’s healthcare services?
Having a mobile X-ray machine and state-of-the-art endoscopy equipment, such as the ELUXEO, has truly revolutionised the way we deliver healthcare services at our clinic. The mobile X-ray machine enables us to provide on-the-spot diagnostic imaging, whether at a patient’s home or within our clinic premises. This level of convenience and immediacy is particularly crucial for individuals with mobility challenges or those in need of urgent assessments. As for the ELUXEO endoscopy equipment, it allows for incredibly detailed and high-resolution imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in the early detection and accurate diagnosis of various digestive disorders. This advanced technology ensures that our gastroenterologists can perform procedures with utmost precision, leading to better outcomes for our patients.
Are there any specific goals or objectives that VisitHealth aims to achieve with the opening of this flagship clinic in West London?
Firstly, we aim to set a new standard for healthcare accessibility and convenience, not only in London but also as a model for healthcare providers globally. We want to showcase how innovative technology and a patient-centric approach can transform the healthcare experience.
Secondly, we intend to further expand our services and reach, making high-quality healthcare available to a wider audience. This flagship clinic serves as a stepping stone for potential future locations, helping us bring our unique healthcare model to more communities.
Additionally, our goal is to continually improve and innovate our services based on patient feedback and evolving medical advancements. We strive to be at the forefront of healthcare delivery, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of immediate, personalised care. Lastly, we aim to foster a sense of trust among our patients, ensuring they have confidence in our ability to meet their healthcare needs promptly and effectively. Our flagship clinic represents our commitment to advancing healthcare accessibility, quality and patient satisfaction.
How did the collaboration with Fujifilm come about, and how your work with them may continue in future?
The collaboration with Fujifilm Healthcare UK is rooted in a shared vision for revolutionising healthcare through cutting-edge technology.
Our discussions led to the establishment of the VisitHealth clinic as a Fujifilm Healthcare UK reference site. This enabled us to procure several of the most advanced Fujifilm products for everyday use in the clinic. This collaboration not only elevates the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of our clinic but also positions us at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
Looking ahead, we foresee a continued collaboration with Fujifilm and ongoing use of their technologies. Together, we aim to explore new possibilities in healthcare delivery, with a focus on providing patients with the best possible care, informed by the latest advancements in medical imaging and diagnostics.