Luton-based NHS specialist obesity care unit celebrates 25-year milestone
The Bedfordshire Hospitals Metabolic Institute, based at Luton, has marked 25 years of delivering life-changing weight loss surgery and specialist obesity care to patients.
Since opening in 2001, the unit has grown from a pioneering local service into one of the country’s most established and respected bariatric centres, supporting thousands of patients in achieving significant and sustained improvements in health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Over the last 25 years, the unit has been at the forefront of advances in bariatric and metabolic surgery. It has introduced innovative, minimally invasive techniques and developed a comprehensive multidisciplinary model that brings together surgical expertise with specialist nursing, dietetic, psychological and medical support.
From performing its first gastric band placement at the Luton & Dunstable University Hospital in June 2001, the service has evolved into one of the highest volume bariatric units in the country.
The impact of the unit’s work has also improved or resolved many obesity related conditions - including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease.
Mr Vigyan Jain, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon and founder of the unit, said: “Reaching our 25-year milestone is a moment of enormous pride for everyone associated with the unit.
“What began as a small, specialist service, has evolved into a centre recognised for clinical excellence, innovation, education and research. Most importantly, it has transformed the lives of thousands of patients and their families.”
The unit is recognised for having played a vital role in training the next generation of bariatric surgeons, nurses and allied health professionals and contributed to national research.
An event to celebrate the anniversary also marked the ninth Leaders of Tomorrow Hands-On Bariatric Course, one of the UK’s most sought after bariatric training programmes. Ten visiting surgeons attended a full day of hands-on bariatric operating in Luton, reinforcing the unit’s commitment to education and surgical excellence.
Mr Paul Tisi, Medical Director, said: “This is a significant milestone for the Bedfordshire Hospitals Metabolic Institute. Their work over the last 25 years has been life-changing for so many, offering innovative, patient-centred care, whilst also leading the way in educating the next generation. We are proud of all their achievements, and we look forward to seeing what the next 25 years brings.”