This month marks one year since Cromwell Hospital opened the Head and Neck Surgery London outpatient centre, an important milestone in our mission to provide world-class, specialist care for patients experiencing head and neck symptoms. Located in the Mews behind the main hospital building, the centre was designed to offer a calm, dedicated environment equipped with the latest technology and supported by a highly experienced multidisciplinary team.
Since opening, the centre has quickly become a trusted hub for patients requiring diagnostic, surgical, and restorative treatment. With several consulting rooms and a state-of-the-art treatment suite – including an advanced dental chair and full dental implant facilities – the service can support everything from routine procedures to complex surgical care. The team also provides urgent support for emergencies such as dental trauma, facial injuries, and infections.
To mark the first anniversary, we spoke with Mr Alastair Fry, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Clinical Lead for the centre, to reflect on the journey so far.
A year of growth and achievement
“It’s been an amazing year,” Mr Fry says. “The journey has absolutely flown by. Working closely with friends and colleagues at Cromwell to create a unique offering for head and neck, oral, and maxillofacial patients has been hugely rewarding.”
The centre has achieved several key milestones in its first 12 months, including:
- More than 300 outpatient procedures
- The introduction of a one-stop mouth cancer biopsy service
- Development of an IV sedation service supporting anxious patients
- Expansion of a multidisciplinary dental implant service, managing cases from simple to highly complex, including bone grafting, sinus lifting, PRF and PRP treatments
“These achievements reflect the dedication of the entire team,” he adds.
Improving patient pathways
One of the most significant benefits of the new centre is the ability to provide rapid, streamlined care.
“The centre gives us the flexibility to see suspected cancer patients urgently and deliver rapid diagnostics – from flexible nasendoscopy to same-day biopsies,” Mr Fry explains. “The environment is calm and welcoming, and patients can attend joint appointments, including wound checks and dressing changes with our practice nurse, Evelyn.”
The specialist space also supports procedures such as wisdom tooth surgery, dental implants, bone grafting, dysplasia excisions, and early cancer treatment – often during a single visit.
A truly multidisciplinary environment
Head and neck care relies heavily on collaboration, and the centre was designed to bring teams together.
“The space lends itself perfectly to multidisciplinary clinics,” says Mr Fry. “We work alongside ENT consultants, restorative dentists, speech therapists, dietitians, and physiotherapists. Having our CNS, Diana, and our practice nurse, Evelyn, on site has been invaluable.”
He also credits the administrative team for the centre’s success.
“We simply couldn’t have done this without Diana and Evelyn, and the administrative excellence of Gosha and Sheila. They run the place so well and support patients every step of the way.”
Innovation at the core of patient care
Technology has played a vital role in the centre’s development. One highlight is the introduction of an IV sedation service, enabling anxious patients to undergo procedures comfortably and safely.
“I’m very proud of this service,” Mr Fry notes. “But the real credit goes to Diana and Evelyn – their determination made it happen.”
Cromwell Hospital has also invested in an advanced CBCT scanner, significantly enhancing surgical planning.
“It has been a godsend for complex implant and reconstructive surgery, allowing a totally new level of precision.”
A dedicated home for head and neck services
Having a consistent base has transformed the patient experience.
“It has really improved the journey for patients and their relatives,” Mr Fry says. “We can offer joint reviews and one-stop procedures, and patients meet the whole team – my colleague Raf Niziol and our CNS, Diana – right from the start. That reassurance is invaluable.”
Looking ahead
The next year promises even more progress, with the arrival of a new colleague, Mr Tom Pepper, who brings additional expertise in maxillofacial trauma and orthognathic surgery.
“This will complement our urgent care centre and help fill important service gaps,” Mr Fry says.
The team is also preparing for significant developments in cancer care.
“We’re entering an exciting era of combining immunotherapy with surgery to improve outcomes for head and neck cancer patients. As the leading private hospital in this field, we’re already seeing patients receiving this treatment at Cromwell, supported by our excellent oncology colleagues, Professor Chris Nutting and Dr Imran Petkar.”
Demand for complex dental rehabilitation is also increasing, with more patients requiring outpatient bone grafting and advanced implant procedures using the latest PRF/PRP techniques.
A personal milestone
Reflecting on the anniversary, Mr Fry describes the past year as “simply staggering”.
“It’s been such a rewarding year – building a fantastic service for our patients and having a shared base with my friends and colleagues. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved.”