It turned out that joining the National Police Healthcare Scheme was one of the best decisions North Wales Police Inspector Darren Jones ever made.
Darren joined the scheme in 2023 after seeing it advertised and took out the optional membership for his wife Nicola too.
They had no idea at the time just how important that extended membership would become.
Just two months after joining – and shortly before the couple were finally married after 18 years together – Nicola suffered a seemingly innocuous fall while walking upstairs, landing on her breast area.
Inspector Darren Jones and wife Nicola
“She was still in pain after the wedding and we thought, this isn’t right,” said Darren. “We decided to get it checked out because we felt it was something a bit untoward.”
Using their NPHS membership, Nicola was referred for specialist assessment almost immediately.
“Within seven days, we got to see a lead oncologist for an initial examination,” said Darren. “Within eight days, she’d had two tests, a biopsy and the results, which showed there were aggressive cancerous cells there – a type that usually affects younger women.”
The speed of the diagnosis meant treatment could begin without delay.
Mastectomy
Nicola underwent a mastectomy and, after completing further treatment, received the all-clear in April this year.
Looking back, Darren believes the rapid access to investigations and specialist care made a profound difference.
“We were told that the same process could have taken much longer through the NHS,” he said. “But this all happened so quickly and we got the treatment she needed in a hurry.”
For Darren, the experience highlighted the biggest benefits of NPHS membership – fast access to consultations, investigations and treatment – especially when an issue is time sensitive.
While supporting Nicola through her cancer journey, Darren also found himself needing medical help.
Frozen shoulder
“I developed a frozen shoulder and used the scheme to sort that out,” he explained. “I got to see a specialist, had an MRI scan and received an injection. It was all done in less than four weeks.”
Without that rapid intervention, he believes everyday life and work would have become much more difficult.
“I would probably have been waiting between six and 12 months on the NHS and I would have been struggling in the meantime because I couldn’t lift my arm.”
Now, Darren regularly encourages colleagues and friends to consider joining the National Police Healthcare Scheme.
“The NPHS has been absolutely brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone,” he said. “I truly believe it saved my wife’s life and I’ve been advising people I know to join ever since, especially those with a family.
“You get the results and your treatment so quickly.”
Find out how the National Police Healthcare Scheme could support you
Darren and Nicola’s experience highlights just how valuable fast access to specialist consultations, investigations and treatment can be when every day counts.
If you’re a serving or retired police officer or police staff member, discover how the National Police Healthcare Scheme can help you and your family access healthcare quickly, providing peace of mind when you need it most.
Find out more about the National Police Healthcare Scheme and explore your membership options today.
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