Andy Burnham visits Manchester eye health clinic and surgical centre

Andy Burnham visits Manchester eye health clinic and surgical centre

ANDY Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has toured a new eye health clinic and surgical centre in Stretford.

The mayor chatted to the team at Newmedica’s Manchester West centre about how they are providing timely access to NHS services for patients across Greater Manchester.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: ‘I had the pleasure of visiting the new Manchester West clinic today and it’s clear that this facility will make a real difference to the people of Greater Manchester.

‘Eye health is such a critical part of overall wellbeing, and for too many, issues like cataracts or glaucoma can have a massive impact on their daily lives. Having this state-of-the-art clinic here in Stretford will help people access the specialist care and treatment they need. It’s a great addition to our city-region’s healthcare services.’

James Young, one of the centre’s eye consultants, says: ‘It was great to welcome Mr Burnham to Newmedica Manchester West. It was an opportunity to discuss our focus on doing the best by our patients with short wait times, high quality lens implants and excellent clinical outcomes.

‘As a partner to the NHS, we are proud to be providing patient choice as well as convenient and timely access to NHS commissioned services. It is helping ease pressure on NHS hospitals and assisting the NHS to reduce waiting lists.’

Mr Young adds that the centre is committed to working with high street opticians and GPs to provide joined-up patient care as part of a neighbourhood health service. As well as cataract surgery and glaucoma services, the centre provides an oculoplastic service and YAG laser capsulotomy for NHS patients.

‘Short waiting times mean patients are seen for their first consultation within two weeks and then treated within two weeks of their consultation. We provide free transport for those who need it and free on-site parking.’

The centre is the latest addition to Newmedica’s network of 33 eye health clinic and surgical centres in England that care for more than 165,000 patients a year.