High quality care and short waiting times for NHS cataract surgery patients at new SpaMedica hospital
A new, state-of-the-art eye hospital has opened its doors in Haydock, St Helens, welcoming NHS patients who require cataract surgery and YAG laser capsulotomy.
The newest addition to the SpaMedica family – one of the country’s leading providers of NHS eye services – is located at The Parks. It will help reduce waiting times for those requiring surgery to improve their vision, offering appointments to patients in just four to eight weeks, compared to a national target of 18 weeks.
Besides providing a comfortable, welcoming environment, the hospital in Haydock – one of over 50 SpaMedica hospitals across the UK – can offer a free transport service to and from the hospital for patients who find it difficult to travel.
Over the past 15 years, SpaMedica has successfully treated thousands of NHS patients, with over 15,000 saying they would recommend its services to friends and family on the NHS website. SpaMedica’s hospitals have some of the lowest complication rates nationally.
In addition, its clinics have earned a stellar reputation – 35 of SpaMedica’s hospitals have been inspected by industry regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with 13 being rated as ‘Outstanding’ (including its nearby hospitals in Skelmersdale and Widnes) and 22 classed as ‘Good’.
Hospital manager Sinead Morgan said: “Our team of skilled surgeons and healthcare professionals are ready to deliver life-changing surgery to patients who need cataract surgery or YAG laser capsulotomy.
“We know that cataracts can have a huge impact on independence and the quality of life of those affected, so we’re looking forward to welcoming patients from the local community and the surrounding areas through our doors. And the great news is that patients in Merseyside and Cheshire have the right to choose where they have their cataract surgery by simply asking their local optician or GP to make a referral to us.”
Cataracts Symptoms
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you 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 your spectacle or contact lens prescription
It’s best to see an optician if you think you have cataracts. They will perform a thorough eye check and will be able to refer you for treatment if needed. In England patients can choose which provider they have cataract surgery with.
