Major ortho clinic opens in Hants
Steve Brine MP and hockey gold medallist Alex Danson-Bennett cut the opening tape
By Olive Carterton
Consultants were on hand to see in the official opening of a new orthopaedic and vision care clinic extending the private practice offering available in Hampshire.
Winchester and Chandlers Ford MP Steve Brine cut the ribbon alongside former international hockey star Alex Danson-Bennett to declare the Healthshare Clinic Winchester in business.
With 15 consultation rooms, it will be the company’s flagship site, with facilities including Hampshire’s only private 3T MRI scanner and aims to offer improved patient choice, helping to support private and NHS patients in the local area.
Mr Brine said: ‘Post-Covid, we know that there are challenges in tackling the NHS backlog, and so improved patient choice and, of course, relationships between the NHS and independent healthcare providers is vital. We’re very lucky to have this fantastic facility open and available in Winchester.’
The day-case facility has 42 consultants with practising privileges and another 92 are in progress. It also offers private GP and physiotherapy services, with a pre- and post-rehabilitation gym with top-of-the-range equipment.
Alex Danson-Bennett, Olympic hockey gold medallist, now retired, said from her perspective as both an athlete and a local resident, the facilities were ‘exceptional’.
‘Being able to see leading consultants, some of which I have worked with for many years, as well as rapid access to imaging and physiotherapy, provide a fantastic new option for both local sportspeople and the general public.’
Specialties include diagnostics, orthopaedics and vision care. Partnering with leading specialist consultants, the hospital will offer access to the latest diagnostic technology including a Siemens wide-bore 3T MRI scanner, X-ray, ultrasound and standing CT, as well as a large outpatients department, two operating theatres and private patient rooms.
Attendees at the opening event in Chilcomb, on the city outskirts, included senior figures from Healthshare Group, staff and members of the local business community.
Hospital executive director Jacqui Dorney said the clinic would provide rapid access to top consultants and technology.
Healthshare is an independent healthcare provider with established roots in muscular-skeletal health and diagnostics, founded by expert NHS clinicians.