About The British Hernia Centre
Specialist Hernia Care Since 1989
The British Hernia Centre was established in 1989 as the UK's first specialist hernia centre. More than 37 years later, we continue to provide specialist care for people with straightforward, complex, recurrent and rare hernias.
Successful hernia treatment involves more than the operation itself. Our approach considers diagnosis, preparation for surgery, anaesthetic planning, pain management and recovery, with treatment tailored to each individual patient.
Meet the Team Leading the Centre
Krishna and Helgi have worked together for more than two decades and across thousands of operations. Their approach combines specialist surgical expertise with advanced anaesthetic and peri-operative care.
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Mr Krishna Moorthy
Mr Krishna Moorthy is a Consultant Surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at Imperial College London.
He specialises in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery, with extensive expertise across hernia surgery and complex abdominal wall reconstruction.
His work extends beyond the operating theatre. Krishna was part of the international working group that developed the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and led the development of Imperial College's award-winning PREPARE prehabilitation programme.
This experience shapes his approach at The British Hernia Centre. Treatment is not simply about repairing a hernia, but preparing each patient properly, choosing the right operation and supporting the best possible recovery.
Patients also regularly highlight Krishna's approachable manner, clear explanations and commitment to supporting both patients and their families throughout treatment.
Dr Helgi Johannsson
Originally from Iceland, Dr Helgi Johannsson moved to the UK aged 12 and trained at St Bartholomew's Hospital before becoming a Consultant Anaesthetist at St Mary's Hospital in 2007.
His clinical interests include hernia surgery, trauma, oesophago-gastric surgery, bariatric surgery, obstetrics and advanced peri-operative care.
Helgi has held senior roles at both Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal College of Anaesthetists. He served as Clinical Director of Anaesthesia at Imperial from 2012 to 2018 and was elected to the Council of the Royal College of Anaesthetists in 2018, later serving as Vice President until 2024.
His experience is particularly important for patients with other medical conditions or those who may have previously been considered at higher risk for surgery. Careful anaesthetic planning allows the team to consider the safest and most appropriate approach for each individual.
Our Patient Care Team
Clinical expertise matters, but so does feeling supported throughout treatment.
Jenny, Anna and Liz are often the first people patients speak to when they contact The British Hernia Centre and remain a familiar point of contact throughout their care.
From arranging consultations and surgery to answering questions and supporting recovery, they help make sure patients and their families feel informed, listened to and looked after.
Our Story
The British Hernia Centre opened its doors in 1989 as the first Specialist Hernia Centre in the UK and Europe. Since then, we have treated tens of thousands of patients and contributed to the development of modern hernia treatment.
Founded in London
Advancing Modern Repair Techniques
Recognised Internationally
Leading with Experience and Innovation
Advancing Hernia Surgery
Specialisation also allows us to contribute to the wider development of hernia care.
The British Hernia Centre has trained surgeons from around the world, contributed to conferences and published academic research based on extensive experience of hernia surgery.
That work continues along with our clinical practice, helping us refine how patients are assessed, treated and supported through recovery.
Talk to Our Team
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with a hernia, have undergone previous unsuccessful repairs or have been told that your case is particularly complex, our team can assess your individual circumstances and explain the options available.
Contact The British Hernia Centre to speak to our patient care team or arrange a specialist consultation.
