8 Reasons a High Staff to Patient Ratio makes a Difference

laser eye surgery team members at London Vision Clinic

When was the last time someone sat you down and asked you a series of personal questions about your life?

For me, it was yesterday.

You might assume that this was an uncomfortable conversation but, in reality, it was quite the opposite. Unsatisfied with the care of my GP, I tracked down a medical herbalist near where I live, situated a few miles away along the winding narrow lanes and undulated hills of the Cumbrian countryside.

Arriving at her home-based practice, according to the map and instructions she’d scanned in and sent me (you can’t rely on GPS out here), the practitioner greeted me with a warm grin and a handshake. I immediately forgot about the condition that brought me here.

In any other setting, it would have felt like an interrogation, but in the quaint apothecary-style annexe at the back of her home, sitting in an old armchair with a cup of herbal tea, answering incredibly personal questions about my health and lifestyle felt as natural as the drive to get there.

At a leisurely pace, we chatted and drank tea, while she consulted the literature and her notes regarding which herbs would be most suitable. After around an hour, I left with a preparation of tinctures in a recycled glass medicine bottle, along with buckets of advice for my recovery, and best of all, a new friend.

This sort of care is not too common today unless you know where to look.

While searching for this kind of experience in the market of Laser Eye Surgery providers can be a little tricky – it can be done. The best place to start is with independent clinics. One of the things that usually make these clinics stand out from the crowd is their high staff-to-patient ratio.

But why is this so important? Well, we’re here to tell you:

1. It’s not just a procedure; it’s the start of a long-term relationship

When you think of Laser Eye Surgery – or any surgery, for that matter – chances are you are hit with a mental image of sitting in an operating chair with a surgeon looming over you. In all likelihood, you aren’t thinking about the initial consultation, screening exams, aftercare appointments or any other time spent at your chosen clinic.

The reality is, Laser Eye Surgery is not just a procedure – it is a journey.

Clinics with a high staff-to-patient ratio have knowledgeable personnel at every step of this journey, including optometrists, laser eye surgeons, nursing staff, patient care coordinators, clinic coordinators, and admin and management staff. This helps to ensure you are never left with questions unanswered or wondering what happens next.

2. A larger team equals greater safety

A few extra pairs of hands (or pairs of eyes) can also help to minimise the chance of risk and problems arising.

You can feel confident that measurements taken and data collected are accurate – the chances are they have been double – and even triple-checked.

3. Highly personalised and tailored care

There are many things to consider when choosing the right Laser Eye Surgery provider for you. But, according to a patient survey carried out here at London Vision Clinic, almost a quarter of patients consider the surgeon and staff carrying out the procedure to be “the most important to [them]”.

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 inevitable leads to a higher chance of complications occurring.

4. Discover your uniquely personal needs

Having more staff allows us to ensure that everything – and we mean everything – goes as smoothly as possible. From finding a place to stay for the night to simply getting home safe after surgery, somebody will be on hand to help.

Our friendly team of Patient Care Coordinators gather the unique information surrounding your treatment, such as your priorities, lifestyle, work commitments, and anything else that is relevant to your surgery. 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

There is a reason that many people don’t like going to GPs, opticians, dentists, and hospitals: the majority of them all have the same clinical and impersonal feel.

This is particularly a problem among large chain service providers, whose premises are designed for maximum efficiency – often at the expense of maximum comfort and care. Unfortunately, the staff at these clinics are often trained for the same purpose.

In contrast, London Vision Clinic – recently voted one of the best small businesses to work for in Britain – strives to achieve both efficiency and maximum patient comfort. We might not be what you would expect from a medical clinic. The friendliness and beaming smiles of our admin staff, through to the relaxing waiting area and immaculately restores interior make our clinic an all-around great place to be.

6. Friendly and knowledgeable Laser Eye Surgeons

With a friendly staff member on hand to fit every role, our surgeons can focus on what they do best: performing life-changing surgical procedures.

Here at London Vision Clinic, we have some of the most knowledgeable and experienced Laser Eye Surgeons in the world. But surgery isn’t all they do. Each of our surgeons was handpicked for their ability to deliver the highest possible standard of care – both inside and outside the operating room.

Having a well-staffed clinic means our surgeons are not pressed for time or pushing to meet quotas. This allows them to meet with each of their patients to have a friendly (and informative) chat about their procedure.

7. Always on hand when you need them

There’s nothing quite like a nurse with years of experience to make you feel calm and at ease – except maybe a whole team of them.

Our nursing team is always there to take care of your clinical and emotional well-being. They are on hand to put to bed any concerns you have, and keep an eye on you before, during, and after your surgery. If you have a question which needs an expert medical opinion, all you have to do is ask. That is unless you are in the aftercare stage of your surgery – now you will have a direct line through to your laser eye surgeon!

8. Patients are confident in the procedure

A well-staffed Laser Eye Surgery clinic is a buzzing hive of activity. Staff perform their jobs day in and day out, interacting with patients, one another, and external companies to keep the whole outfit churning away.

Seeing an award-winning practice like London Vision Clinic 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 find out more about our amazing surgeons and staff, simply give us a call on 020 7224 1005. Alternatively, Book a Consultation using the form below.

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