New NHS eye hospital opens in Dorchester city centre

New NHS eye hospital opens in Dorchester city centre

Residents of Dorset 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 Dorchester.

SpaMedica, one of the UK’s leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services, is welcoming patients to its new hospital at Grove House on Millers Close for NHS cataract treatment, where patients can expect to be treated rapidly, compared to a national target of 18 weeks.

The hospital will support the objectives set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, ensuring services are “fit for the future” by expanding access to community-based care and delivering faster diagnoses and treatments, helping to alleviate pressure on local hospital services.

Currently, less than 75% of ophthalmology patients in Dorset receive treatment within 18 weeks of referral, and there are over 8,600 patients with an incomplete treatment pathway.[1]

29% of Dorset’s 380,000 residents are aged 65+[2], 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.

Joining 64 other SpaMedica hospitals across the country, the Dorchester site is equipped to deliver the highest quality of care to its patients, who will benefit from a free door-to-door transport service with no mileage restrictions if they need assistance getting to and from their appointments. Complimentary parking is also available on site.

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 SpaMedica patients regain driving standard vision after surgery.

Hospital manager Samantha Christiansen said: “By offering timely, high-quality ophthalmic care in a dedicated local facility, SpaMedica Dorchester will help to reduce elective backlogs and enable more patients to receive treatment close to home, in line with national healthcare priorities. Working in close partnership with the NHS, we’re aiming to make treatment for common eye conditions more accessible for our community. We’re excited to begin welcoming patients and look forward to helping them enjoy clearer vision and a better quality of life.”

NHS patients who have been diagnosed with cataracts or posterior capsule opacification can ask for a referral to SpaMedica Dorchester through their local optician or GP.