October marks two years since the opening of Wells Health, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s private healthcare service.

Since then, 39,626 patients have chosen Wells Health for their care, accessing expert consultants, diagnostics and treatment across Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone hospitals.

Patients can self pay or use private medical insurance, with the reassurance of receiving private care in an established NHS trust and the access to the wider clinical expertise and facilities that brings.

Choosing Wells Health also helps support local NHS services. 

Income generated by Wells Health is reinvested into the Trust, for the benefit of all patients.

Growing our care around our patients

Over the past two years, Wells Health has continued to grow the choice available to patients across Kent and Sussex.

This year, we have welcomed new consultants and treatments, including Arthrosamid® injections for knee osteoarthritis, while continuing to expand the range of procedures available through robotic-assisted surgery.

We are also working to enhance our private GP offering, recognising that sometimes patients simply need more time to talk through their health, concerns and next steps.

Dr David Golden, Chief of Service, said:

“Caring for almost 40,000 patients in our first two years is a milestone our teams can be incredibly proud of. But what matters most is the experience behind those numbers – making sure patients feel listened to, supported and confident in the care they receive.

“As Wells Health grows, we want to continue developing services around what our patients and communities need, while giving people greater choice and timely access to outstanding care.”

More choice, when you need it

Being part of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust also means we can make accessing private care simpler for patients already receiving care within our hospitals.

If a patient is being seen through an NHS pathway at Maidstone or Tunbridge Wells hospitals and decides they would like to explore using their private medical insurance or self-funding their care, they can ask about transferring to a Wells Health pathway.

Where clinically appropriate and the service is available privately, our teams can help make that transition as straightforward as possible; giving patients greater choice over how they access their ongoing care without having to start again elsewhere.

This is another way we are working to make private healthcare feel more accessible, straightforward and connected.

Care our patients recommend

The experiences of our patients remain one of the measures that matters most to us.

Wells Health has achieved a 4.6 - star Google rating, with patients regularly highlighting the friendliness and professionalism of our teams and the efficiency of the care received.

One patient described their experience as, “Amazing hospital, all staff are amazing. Super smooth.”

Another commented, “Exemplary service. From the reception staff to the surgeon. Every member of the team at Wells Health was amazing.”

Feedback like this reflects what we want every patient to experience: outstanding care delivered by people who make them feel comfortable, informed and heard.

Beyond our hospital doors

Our second year has also taken Wells Health further into the communities we serve.

Our teams have provided free health checks at local events, worked with businesses to promote men's and women's health, and delivered education sessions for local GPs and primary care teams.

We also delivered a medical education day at Holmewood House School, giving pupils the opportunity to learn directly from consultants, nurses, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.

This year, we have also worked alongside MTW Hospitals Charity, helping to reinforce the connection between Wells Health and the wider Trust, and to highlight the benefits our services can bring to our local communities.

Private care that supports local healthcare

Income generated through Wells Health is reinvested into Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, helping to support services and patient care across our hospitals.

Sarah Davis, Chief Operating Officer of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, added:

“Wells Health gives patients another way to access the expertise and facilities we have here at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, with the added benefit that the income generated is reinvested back into our services.

“Almost 40,000 patients choosing Wells Health in its first two years is a fantastic milestone. As the service continues to develop, we want to give patients even greater choice while ensuring its success continues to benefit the Trust and the communities we serve.”

Looking forward

As we enter our third year, we will continue to introduce new treatments, expand our specialist services and explore new ways of making outstanding private care easier to access.

We will also continue working with local GPs, schools, businesses, MTW Hospitals Charity and community organisations to help support better health beyond our hospital doors.

To the 39,626 patients who have trusted us with their care, and to our consultants, colleagues and community partners who have helped us along the way – thank you.

Two years of Wells Health. Outstanding private care, supporting your local NHS.