MP takes time out to visit Ashtead Hospital
Ashtead Hospital recently welcomed Chris Grayling, Conservative
MP for Epsom & Ewell.
He was keen to see how an independent Hospital like Ashtead
could work in partnership with the NHS through the launch of
Britain’s innovative Patient Choice Scheme.
Almost 2 years on from the introduction of Patient Choice
(Choose & Book) scheme – Patients may choose where they want to
be treated. They may choose the hospital with the best reputation
or shortest waiting times, or simple the one that is most
convenient for them.
Phil Bates, General Manager said “We are very pleased to be able
to provide another option for patients, who can now benefit from a
wider range of providers, with the opportunity to choose a hospital
of their choice”.
He went on to say “Ashtead Hospital, part of the Ramsay Group
have taken the role as an NHS Partner and participant very
seriously.
We are pleased to be able to offer an NHS service within the
independent sector and in order to relieve some of the pressure
there is within the NHS. There is certainly room for cooperation
between the sectors - for example making use of available bed
capacity in times of crisis or pressure”.
Approximately 3.5% of NHS patients are treated in the
independent sector throughout the UK. This is a very small
percentage considering the large number of people treated within
the NHS every year.
After a tour around Ashtead Hospital Chris Grayling had this to
say “Ashtead Hospital remains extremely popular with many of my
constituents and it’s good to see it planning to expand and develop
it’s facilities which will be a bonus for both NHS and private
patients”.