CANCER patients have been able to have vital surgery during the pandemic, thanks to a partnership between Bromsgrove’s Burcot Hall and NHS England.
The private hospital, which usually primarily carries out cosmetic and bariatric procedures, has provided its facilities and staff on a not-for-profit basis.
It meant 40 patients whose operations would have otherwise been postponed have been able to have treatment.
Tony Veverka, the CEO of Transform Hospital Group which runs Burcot Hall, said it was right elective surgery had been stopped during the crisis.
“The hospital was therefore primed and ready to help other patients, and well placed to offer a ‘Covid-free’ environment where it is much safer to carry out surgery.”
He said the clinicians and medical teams were very keen to play their part to support the NHS through the crisis.
They quickly established a partnership with their health service colleagues to help patients with urgent surgical needs, such as cancer diagnoses.
Appropriate PPE, testing, hygiene and cleaning procedures ensured delays to vital surgery were avoided and procedures were carried out safely.
Mr Veverka added: “It is an honour to be able to work with the NHS to care for them.
“The feedback from NHS patients has been very positive, with 100 per cent of those who responded saying that they were happy with our facilities, staff, care and overall experience.
“It is very rewarding to be able to support them at such a difficult time.
“We hope to maintain our partnership with the NHS as it begins to resume elective procedures, to help manage the backlog of surgeries from the past few months and continue to play our part in the nation’s fight against Covid-19.”
