8 Reasons a High Staff-to-Patient Ratio Makes a Difference
With the current state of health services, from GP practices to A&E departments, it can be difficult to imagine having a leisurely chat with a healthcare professional concerning your health and options for treatment. Let’s face it, such appointments can be unenjoyable, to say the least, but they can also often seem impersonal.
This kind of experience is not limited to under-funded public services, but also in some instances of private healthcare, including in the Laser Eye Surgery industry. But this level of care can be found – if you know where to look.
At London Vision Clinic, we are always striving to deliver a high-quality, personal service to our patients, which is why we prioritise having a high staff-to-patient ratio. But what makes this approach so important? Let’s find out!
1. It’s not just a procedure; it’s the start of a long-term relationship
It can be easy to look at Laser Eye Surgery – and any surgery for that matter – as a one-off trip to a clinic; however, this shouldn’t really be the case. In fact, high-quality Laser Eye Surgery treatment involves much more than most people initially realise. From your initial consultation and screening exams to the day of your procedure and several aftercare appointments, the chances are you will be spending more time at your clinic than you might think.
The reality is that Laser Eye Surgery is not just a procedure – it is a journey.
A clinic with a high staff-to-patient ratio will have knowledgeable staff to help you at every stage of this journey. From optometrists, surgeons, and nursing staff to patient care coordinators, clinic coordinators and admin and management personnel, there will always be someone on hand to guide you through the process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
2. A larger team can improve safety…
Laser Eye Surgery is considered an extremely safe procedure; however, there is always a small risk that things might not go according to plan. In such settings, an extra pair of hands (or pair of eyes) can be incredibly effective for minimising the chance of complications arising.
It can be easy to assume that, as long as your surgeon is qualified, nothing else matters. However, it is also important to consider all the stages leading up to the procedure – and the aftercare following. For example, a variety of tests, scans, and exams need to be performed by specialist clinical staff.
In many clinics, a lack of resources often leads to skimping in this area and underestimating the amazing complexity of the eye and the diverse range and degrees of eye conditions. This inevitably leads to a higher risk of complications.
At London Vision Clinic, you can rest assured that every measurement has been taken accurately and double-checked by several experienced and qualified staff.
3. … Deliver personalised and tailored care
There are many things to consider when choosing a Laser Eye Surgery clinic, from cost to results with similar prescriptions to your own. However, according to a patient survey conducted by London Vision Clinic, almost a quart of patients consider the surgeon and staff conducting the procedure to be “the most important”.
Laser Eye Surgery is far from a “one size fits all” procedure. It requires a carefully considered personal treatment plan for each and every patient to ensure the best possible results. Having a higher staff-to-patient ratio helps us to deliver the highly personalised and tailored care required to achieve this.
4. … And cater to your uniquely personal needs
Having more staff allows us to cover all bases and ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re travelling from abroad for your treatment and need a place to stay, or need some help getting home safely after the procedure, there will always be someone around to help.
Our friendly team of patient care coordinators will make a note of your unique requirements surrounding your treatment, including your priorities, work commitments, and anything else that might be relevant to your procedure. They will be the first person you meet when you walk through the door and will be happy to help at any point along your journey.
5. Not another high street clinic
As we touched upon at the beginning of this article, there is an obvious reason many people don’t enjoy visiting GP practices, dentists, hospitals and other healthcare settings: They often have a clinical and impersonal feel.
This is also a problem among large-chain Laser Eye Surgery providers. Their premises are often designed for maximum efficiency – that is, treating as many patients as possible – which can come at the expense of comfort and care. Unfortunately, staff at these clinics are often trained for the same purpose.
Our approach is different. At our Harley Street clinic, we strive to achieve both efficiency and maximum patient comfort – which may explain why we have previously been voted one of the best small businesses to work for in Britain! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff coupled with relaxing waiting areas and immaculately restored interiors make our clinic a genuinely enjoyable place to be.
6. Access to friendly and knowledgeable Laser Eye Surgeons…
With highly trained and friendly staff on hand at every step of the process, our experienced surgeons are free to focus on what they do best: deliver life-changing treatment for our patients.
Surgery isn’t our surgeons’ only job. Not only are our surgeons among the most experienced and knowledgeable in the world, but they have also been handpicked for their ability to deliver the highest possible standard of care – both inside and outside the operating room.
Having support from other clinic staff allows our surgeons to focus on a more holistic approach to patient care. Free from the pressures of time or needing to meet quotas, our patients are able to meet personally with every patient before their procedure to have a friendly and informative chat about their bespoke treatment.
7. Help is always on hand when you need it
There is nothing quite like a friendly nurse with years of experience to set your mind at ease in a clinical setting – except maybe a whole team of them.
Our knowledgeable nursing team is always there to provide clinical, as well as emotional, support. They are on hand to answer any question and put to bed any concerns you might have about your treatment – all you have to do is ask! Our nurses will be happy to help at any point before, during, and after your surgery – of course, once the procedure us complete, you will also be given a direct number for your surgeon!
8. To provide patients with confidence about their treatment
Our award-winning clinic has been successfully treating patients with a wide range of refractive errors and prescriptions since it opened its doors in 2002. During this time, London Vision Clinic has become a buzzing hive of activity, filled with staff who perform their jobs to the highest standard every day.
Seeing such a well-oiled machine in operation can instil confidence in even the most apprehensive of patients. The work that goes on to ensure the quality, safety, and success of each and every patient’s experience, is something that must be seen to be believed.
If you would like to have the London Vision Clinic experience for yourself, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today!