Demand for treatment at local NHS hospital up by more than a half

Company news

Nov 05, 2009

This extraordinary rise, which has delighted staff, follows the inclusion of the hospital on the health service’s electronic Choose and Book system.

“The difference has been amazing and immediate”, says Graeme Kendall, the manager of the four-year old hospital.

Opened in 2005, the Treatment Centre – run by private provider Care UK for the NHS - is the newest hospital in Derbyshire. It has short waiting times, very high satisfaction rate among patients, and a completely clean record on hospital-acquired superbugs.

Key findings of a recent independent patient survey include:

• 98 per cent of patients said they would probably or definitely recommend the hospital to family and friends
• 99 per cent of patients said they had confidence and trust in the doctors and nurses treating them
• 99 per cent of patients said they felt they were treated with respect and dignity

One patient who took the decision to choose Barlborough over any other hospital is 83-year old Chesterfield resident Mollie Carlile who has had four operations at the site. In 2006, she came to the centre for the first time and had her left hip replaced.  She found the care and service she received to be so good that she chose to return to Barlborough twice more when she needed her knee and other hip replaced as well.  She also chose to come to the centre for carpal tunnel treatment in both hands.

Mr Kendall said the staggering rise in the number of patients wanting treatment at Barlborough showed that patients area actively choosing to come to the hospital now that it is available as an option.

“We’re delighted by the change and the chance to provide our first-class care and service to more patients.”

Above: Mollie Carlile and her surgeon Dr Mersich

Choose and Book enables patients, with advice from their GPs, to choose their own hospital and appointment time electronically. 

Mr Kendall said he was committed to the Centre being an integral part of the local NHS community.

“It’s a  welcoming environment, the nurses give patients time and attention, and it’s all new, clean, quick, and totally professional. We’re absolutely committed to sending people home happy.”

The firm is one of the biggest independent health providers to the NHS, running popular walk-in clinics, treatment centres, and GP services in many parts of the country.