NHS patients in North West London can access treatment for common eye conditions closer to home, thanks to the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art eye hospital in Wembley.
SpaMedica, the country’s leading independent provider of NHS cataract surgery, is welcoming patients to its new hospital on Wembley Park Boulevard, where patients can expect to be treated in as little as four weeks, compared to a national target of 18 weeks. Locally, the median referral to treatment time for ophthalmology services is 9.8 weeks.
Joining 62 other SpaMedica hospitals across the country, the Wembley site is equipped to deliver the highest quality of care to its patients, who will benefit from a free door-to-door transport service if they need assistance getting to and from their appointments. The hospital is just a short walk from Wembley Park tube station and Wembley train station.
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.
98% of patients who have reviewed SpaMedica on the NHS website have given the provider a five-star rating, including Mrs Morrissey, who had her cataract surgery at SpaMedica’s Dalston hospital, which is also based in London.
Mrs Morrissey said: “I had both cataracts done, so I’ve had four visits to this clinic. I can only say that from the reception staff to the surgeons, it was fantastic. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. They made you feel at ease, which is so important. The place is spotless, and tea and coffee facilities were very good, so the biggest “thank you” to everyone.”
12.3% of North West London’s residents are aged 65+, and with up to 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 capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification.
Hospital manager Zafar Khwaja said: “At SpaMedica, we know what a positive impact cataract surgery can have – not only to a patient’s vision, but also to their quality of life - and we’re delighted to be working in close partnership with the NHS to reduce local waiting times for treatment. Our team of surgeons and healthcare professionals are looking forward to delivering high-quality care to as many patients as possible.”
NHS patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts or posterior capsule opacification can ask for a referral to SpaMedica Wembley through their local optician or GP.
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.