Thousands of Hereford residents are set to benefit from a new eye care centre that is a UK-first, offering high quality diagnostics and treatment in the heart of the local community.
The custom-designed unit sits beside the ASDA Hereford Supercentre on Belmont Road – ensuring easy access for residents – and is an innovation from SpaMedica, a UK-leading independent provider of NHS ophthalmology services.
Spanning an impressive 3,200 square feet, which is equivalent to around six swimming pools, the new ophthalmic diagnostic and treatment centre (virtual tour here) will support an estimated 21,000 residents in Herefordshire who are currently living with common eye-related conditions.
Patients referred by their optician or GP to the community-focused centre can expect to be treated in as little as four weeks – compared to a national NHS target of 18 weeks.
Overseeing operations at the exclusive Hereford facility is Jonathan Barnes. He explains: “With over a quarter of Herefordshire residents aged over 65, accessible eye care is crucial.
“This mobile centre removes barriers to care by bringing services exactly where they’re needed most. Our goal is to ensure patients can receive essential treatments close to home, minimising disruption and maximising convenience.”
The purpose-built and relocatable ophthalmic diagnostic and treatment centre is the latest investment from SpaMedica, eliminating the high cost and inflexibility of permanent hospital builds, aligning directly with NHS England’s vision of delivering accessible care closer to patients’ homes and reducing pressure on hospital services.
It is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, staffed by experienced ophthalmic professionals, and offers treatment in a comfortable environment.
SpaMedica also offers a free door-to-door transport service for those who need help getting to and from appointments – further ensuring equitable access to all members of the community.
Jonathan adds: “We’ve decided to locate our diagnostic and treatment centre beside the ASDA superstore because it’s a convenient and recognisable spot for local people.
“Plus, many patients are brought to an appointment by a friend or relative, so they’ll be able to do a weekly shop while they’re waiting! We’re really looking forward to welcoming our very first patients and showcasing to Hereford the five-star NHS care SpaMedica is known for.”
In a recent review of SpaMedica’s nearby Worcester hospital, patient Peter said: “I am totally impressed with the efficiency of SpaMedica. From the time of arrival through to post operative care I could not fault the way in which everyone was ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’. I have now had two procedures at Worcester and each was carried out to the same high standard. I will not hesitate to recommend SpaMedica to anyone who asks my opinion.”
With 63 hospitals across the country, SpaMedica’s commitment to patient care is reflected in its reputation. All of the provider’s hospitals inspected by the Care Quality Commission have been rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ and 98% of patients who have reviewed SpaMedica on the NHS website have awarded the provider a five-star rating.
Anyone who notices changes to their vision should book an appointment with their optician, who will perform a thorough eye check and refer them for treatment if needed. In England, patients can choose which NHS provider they have cataract surgery with.
