An affordable alternative at 75p. p.w.Honest ! (Beneden Healthcare Society)

Member Name: jeanjeannie

Product:	Beneden Healthcare Society
Date:	07/03/01 (16657 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Real value for money & peace of mind

Disadvantages: limited membership

This was formerly the Post Office & Civil Service Sanatorium Society and I think the change of name reflects it’s very modern approach to healthcare.It certainly was a mouthful.

Who can join ? Employees of the post office, BT and civil service PAST & PRESENT. That’s important because I joined the Society about two years ago but I left the Civil Service in 1972. In addition you can then add members of your family - parents, partners, children, grandchildren, plus other members of your extended family. You must be under 60 when you join and there is a six month wait before you qualify for all the benefits.

How it works. Primarily it works along side the NHS where it can but, if delay is likely in getting to see a Consultant for example, then the Society will pay for you to see one privately. Your travelling expenses will also be paid if you cannot afford them yourself. No means test , just put in a claim & you will be reimbursed.

Should you need hospital treatment and there is a delay, they can arrange for you to be treated in a private hospital near you or at their own hospital in Kent.

Now I have been to Benenden hospital and although it’s a pig of a place to get to especially for me as I live in Devon – it’s well worth the effort. The hospital is set in it’s own grounds which are beautifully maintained and there is such a peaceful atmosphere that you immediately relax. I went there for various tests and I was not kept hanging around at all; a doctor was with me within 10 minutes of arrival to take a history and he arranged straight away for me to go and have blood tests the results of which were back in about 3 hours. Later that same day I had further tests , the results were known very quickly and, as a consequence, the next day’s tests were planned.

The ward was divided into bays as in most NHS hospitals but I was lucky enough to have my own room, TV & bathroom just ac
ross the corridor. The food was far superior to any other hospital food I have had in the NHS and all diets were catered for.

The staff were also excellent - caring, concerned and capable. It does make you wonder how such a wonderful service can be offered on such a limited budget.

They do specialise in what they treat at this hospital - chest complaints, asthma, skin problems, blood disorders and stomach problems, psoriasis & eczema. When I was there, there were also patients with incontinence problems and patients with cancer.
Other illnesses are treated by a Consultant specialist of their choice in private hospitals and out-patient consultations in Harley Street are the norm.

The hospital is rather isolated but next door is Peek Lodge where visitors can stay overnight at a modest charge . The rooms are spotless and similar to most hotel rooms; ensuite bathroom, TV, tea & coffee making facilities etc. Also worth considering staying there if en route to France via Dover – but you would need to book first.

We stayed the day I was discharged as a double journey to & from Devon was too much in one day for my husband. We were very impressed even though our room was a bit on the small side. The manager explained that they do have larger rooms but as we were only there for one night it was easier to change over. Having had Holiday apartments I knew exactly what he meant. One nighters are a lot of work!!

So, if you have got this far and are interested they do have a web site which is - http://www.thesociety.co.uk.

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