Paul Mackey has been appointed as the new clinical lead at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

The surgeon takes over at the Parkside Unit which, along with the Kingston Wing at Yeovil District Hospital, forms the Somerset Private Patient Service.

This service treats roughly 135 patients a month at both locations.

Mr Mackey explained: "If you are opting for private healthcare there are huge advantages to having that in a large hospital, for one thing the reassurance of having 24 hour intensive care on hand should it be needed, which comes with being part of a leading NHS hospital."

Private patient manager, Sarah Porter, highlighted the notable advantage of revenue from private patients going directly back into the NHS: "That is a huge benefit to the hospital – and the community as a whole".

The service caters both to those with health insurance or to patients who wish to self-fund, and profits return to the NHS.

Somerset County Gazette: Paul Mackey has been appointed as the new clinical lead at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton