Residents of Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset can access NHS cataract surgery closer to home, thanks to the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art eye hospital in Swindon.
SpaMedica, one of the country’s leading independent providers of NHS eye health services, is welcoming patients to its new hospital at Canberra House on Lydiard Fields Business Park, where patients can expect to be treated in as little as 4-8 weeks, compared to a national target of 18 weeks.
SpaMedica Swindon – the company’s landmark 60th hospital – is equipped with the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to ensure the highest quality of care for its patients, who will benefit from a free door-to-door transport service if they need assistance getting to and from their appointments. Complimentary parking is also available on site.
Swindon joins several other SpaMedica hospitals across the Southwest, including sites in Bristol, Taunton and Gloucester.
Since opening in 2008, SpaMedica has earned a reputation for excellence, with industry regulator the Care Quality Commission awarding every SpaMedica hospital it has inspected to date a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating. Over 19,000 patients have given the company a five-star rating on the NHS website, including Bristol patient Graham, who described his experience as “absolutely brilliant”.
He added: “I have had cataract removal on both eyes. The operations were both successful. Pre-operation assessments, operations and post-operation follow-ups were all arranged speedily. The staff are really friendly and helpful, reassuring and knowledgeable. The facilities are spotless. I was really impressed.”
Almost 16% of Swindon’s residents are aged 65+, and with 30% of this age group likely to need cataract surgery in later life, thousands of people are set to benefit from the new hospital, which also specialises in YAG laser treatment for posterior capsule opacification.
Hospital manager Hannah Young said: “We can’t wait to welcome patients to our Swindon hospital, where our experienced team will ensure they are well looked after throughout their treatment journey. We understand the impact that cataracts can have – not only on people’s vision, but also on their quality of life – and we’re looking forward to helping lots of people to see more clearly again.”
NHS patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts or posterior capsule opacification can ask for a referral to SpaMedica Swindon through their local optician or GP.
Patients may experience one or more of the following symptoms if they have cataracts: • Blurred vision • Difficulty driving at night • Difficulty watching television and reading • Being dazzled by sunlight and/or bright lights such as the headlights of an oncoming car • Fading of colours • Frequent changes to their spectacle or contact lens prescription
Patients who notice any changes to their vision should book an appointment with their optician, who will perform a thorough eye check and refer them for treatment if needed. In England, patients can choose which NHS provider they have cataract surgery with.
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