SpaMedica, the country’s leading independent provider of NHS ophthalmology services, is welcoming patients to its new hospital on Station Road, 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 11.2 weeks.
Joining 63 other SpaMedica hospitals across the country, the Croydon 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. Complimentary parking is also available on site, and the hospital is just a short, five-minute walk from West Croydon train and bus stations.
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 Mr Stacey, who had his cataract surgery at SpaMedica’s nearby Bromley hospital last year.
Mr Stacey said: “I had the cataract in my right eye removed recently and the service was first class. Everyone was very helpful and friendly and my eyesight is now very good. This is the second time I have been to SpaMedica and both times the appointment came quickly and the staff have been excellent.”
13.9% of Croydon’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 Chelsea Jenkins said: “We’re thrilled to open our new eye hospital in Croydon, where we’ll be working in partnership with the NHS to reduce local waiting times for treatment. We’re looking forward to helping residents to see more clearly again and I know our experienced team are committed to delivering the best possible care to our patients.”
NHS patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts or posterior capsule opacification can ask for a referral to SpaMedica Croydon through their local optician or GP.