Ajay’s HCA UK Story
After joining HCA UK as a GP in 2017, Dr Ajay Deshpande has steadily built his career through mentorship, leadership and a passion for patient-focused care. Now Clinical Lead for National Health Screening, he oversees regional clinics across the UK and continues to shape how HCA Primary Care UK delivers exceptional healthcare experiences nationwide.
How long have you been working here?
I joined HCA UK in 2017 as a Private GP and Health Screening Doctor. Over time, my role grew naturally, and in 2023 I became the Clinical Lead for National Health Screening. It’s been a great journey, one that’s given me the opportunity to work across multiple locations and take on leadership responsibilities that I find really rewarding.
How did you get started?
I first worked with HCA UK through a locum role, which gave me a good feel for the organisation. I’d worked with other providers before, but this was the first place where I genuinely felt at home. The focus was always on patients, and the culture just felt right. When a permanent opportunity came up, it was an easy decision to join.
What’s your role and what do you do day-to-day?
As Clinical Lead for National Health Screening, I provide clinical oversight for our health screening clinics regionally across the UK, including Newcastle, Cardiff and Bristol. I work with and manage closely the doctors working out of these sites. A big part of my role is making sure everyone based outside London – feel connected and supported. I visit our regional teams regularly to check in, listen to feedback and make sure they feel part of the wider HCA UK community.
Can you tell us about the people you work with?
It’s a really collaborative environment. I work alongside an excellent team of health screening doctors and private GPs, supported by our clinical and administrative staff. We all share the same goal: to provide high-quality, patient-focused care. What’s special about HCA UK is the mentoring culture. People are always ready to support you, help you develop, and guide you through the next step in your career.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
The most rewarding part is helping patients through early detection and prevention. There have been times when a screening has caught a condition early, like prostate cancer, and we’ve been able to get the patient treated and recovered quickly. Knowing you’ve played a part in that person’s story – that’s incredibly fulfilling.
Do you have any moments that standout?
I’ve had quite a few patients come back to thank me after successful treatments that began with a health screen. One in particular stands out where we identified an issue early that could have had serious consequences later on however with significant lifestyle changes they were able to avoid having to start long term medication. They were so grateful. Those moments stay with you and remind you why this work is so important.
“Having that face-to-face time with other HCA Primary Care UK clinics and GPs from around the country, makes me feel more included and part of a bigger community. With some healthcare providers the emphasis always seems to be profit, but here there’s more of a focus on people. At HCA UK, I felt much more at home, much more comfortable knowing that everyone here can really commit to patient care.”
Have you taken advantage of your benefits?
Yes, absolutely. The private health insurance, pension, and critical illness cover are all excellent long-term benefits. On the lighter side, we also get things like a taste card, which gives you discounts at restaurants and coffee shops. It’s a small thing, but it’s a nice touch that shows HCA UK really looks after its people.
What makes you stay at HCA UK?
It’s the balance between autonomy and support. You’re trusted to deliver great care but you’re never on your own. There’s also a real focus on career progression with regular performance reviews, mentoring, and leadership courses that help you grow. I’ve been here for several years now, and I’ve never felt stagnant. There’s always something new to learn or take on.
What’s next for you?
I’m focused on continuing to develop our national health screening services and making sure we maintain consistent, high-quality care across all our regional sites. I’d like to expand on the work we’re doing around mentoring and engagement so that every doctor, wherever they’re based, feels fully part of the HCA UK network.