Spire Washington Hospital offers comprehensive private hospital services to patients from the North East of England, including Sunderland, Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumberland.
Shelagh Alderson, Hospital Director at Spire Washington Hospital, joined the hospital in 1993 originally as a Chartered Physiotherapist. Since then she has progressed through the ranks as Paramedical Services Manager and Head of Clinical Services, before taking on her current role in 2013. She speaks about how the services offered at the hospital have evolved over the years.
“At Spire Washington Hospital you can access our first class services at a time to suit you. We now have over 190 consultants, covering a wide range of specialties from diagnostic imaging such as X-Ray, MRI, Ultrasound and CT to major procedures including spinal and orthopaedic surgery as well as bariatric surgery, gynaecology, ENT and general surgical procedures.
“A common misconception with independent healthcare providers is that you’re only able to access the services if you’re covered with private health insurance. At Spire Washington Hospital, you can access our services in a number of ways, including using your private medical insurance, paying for your own treatment or attending the hospital via the NHS.
“Our hospital is situated in a quiet residential area with extensive grounds and free car parking, making it a relaxing haven and friendly atmosphere for patients and visitors alike. We’re within easy reach of the A1 (m) and welcome patients from across our region and further afield.
“We currently have 36 patient beds, and due to growing referrals we have just begun our phased redevelopment. This involves full refurbishment of all of our bedrooms to bring them in-line with luxury hotel standards.
“Our team of highly trained and experienced consultants, nurses and wider hospital team will ensure you receive first class care throughout your stay, from the initial booking process with our Customer Service Advisors, to your consultation, right through to surgery and any aftercare.
“In terms of the hospital’s evolution, times have changed significantly Ð looking back, healthcare was very different to how it is now. Relationships with the doctors were more formal and the care was a lot more prescriptive. The focus was on the patient fitting around the service rather than our approach now, where every patient receives a plan of individualised treatment options at a time to suit them. Our focus however is on delivering excellent patient care.
“What is clear is that over the years the strict organisational hierarchies and hospital infrastructures have changed. Patients are rightly given more privacy and dignity. As technology has improved, the skills of surgeons and anaesthetists have become more complex, enhancing surgical abilities and resulting in quicker recovery times.
“Here at Spire Washington Hospital we pride ourselves on the level of customer service we offer. Our staff and consultants go out of their way for patients to make their journey with us smooth from beginning to end and this shows in our patient feedback.”
