MP visits SpaMedica Taunton
- MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, visits new eye hospital in Taunton
- The new clinic will reduce local waiting times for cataract surgery to just 4-8 weeks
- MP says hospital “is a major step forward in giving constituents access to the treatment they need”
A state-of-the-art eye hospital specialising in NHS cataract surgery has been praised by the MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, during a recent visit.
Based at Portland House on Deane Gate Avenue, SpaMedica Taunton provides cataract surgery and YAG laser capsulotomy to local NHS patients, with waiting times of just 4-8 weeks. A free transport service is available for patients who need assistance getting to and from their appointments, and complimentary parking is available on-site.
On Friday 21st February, local MP Gideon Amos met with members of SpaMedica’s senior leadership team for a tour of the new hospital, followed by an official opening ceremony. He said: “The National Health Service was invented by Liberals like William Beveridge to be freely available to everyone, so I was very happy to see how the new SpaMedica hospital is working as part of NHS provision for patients here in Taunton and Wellington.
“I’m delighted our county town has attracted this new facility, as I am with the free treatment, including life-changing cataract operations, which it’s been giving to more and more NHS patients since opening its doors before Christmas.
“It was inspiring to witness the fantastic work being carried out by nurses, optometrists and the whole team.
“The hospital is clearly a major step forward in giving constituents access to the treatment they need.
“It’s also exciting to see the positive impact it’s having on the lives of the many people treated by and working at the new hospital.
“I’m pushing for more investment in our local health services, especially in dentistry, in our GPs and in the new maternity and paediatric unit which is urgently needed at Musgrove Park Hospital.”
With 62 hospitals across the UK, 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.
98% of patients who have reviewed SpaMedica’s hospitals on the NHS website have awarded the provider a five-star rating, including Taunton patient Teresa, who said: “My experience at SpaMedica was extremely positive. Both the pre-assessment and surgery were completed within a few weeks. All staff at the clinic were extremely professional and friendly. The outcome was excellent without any discomfort, and I would highly recommend SpaMedica.”
Samantha Christiansen, Hospital Manager, added: “We were delighted to welcome Gideon Amos to our Taunton hospital, and it was a privilege to showcase how we’re helping local residents to regain clearer vision, ultimately improving their quality of life. This visit highlights the importance of accessible, high-quality eye care in our community, and we look forward to continuing to make a meaningful difference to the lives of our patients.”
Research carried out by SpaMedica in 2024 underlined the significant improvements in patients’ quality of life following cataract surgery. In a survey of more than 14,000 patients, only 36% rated their quality of life as “good” or “very good” before cataract surgery. After surgery, this increased to an incredible 94%.
NHS patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts or posterior capsule opacification can ask for a referral to SpaMedica Taunton through their local optician or GP.