COLLEAGUES old and new have gathered to mark two special birthdays at hospitals in Somerset.

Parkside, the private wing at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, and Kingston Wing, the private unit at Yeovil Hospital, have both celebrated their 35th birthdays this month.

To recognise the milestone, team members past and present gathered for a reunion, to reminisce about old times and enjoy some birthday cake.

Sarah Porter, private patients business manager, at the Musgrove’s Parkside, said: “It was great for former colleagues to come back into Parkside and share stories from years gone by.”

Both units have developed significantly over the years and now offer a range of services to private patients, either through insurance or self-funding.

Those services range from cataract procedures to hip and knee surgery, from endoscopies to bowel surgery and cardiology, as well as private GP services and a specialist iron clinic.

Matthew Hall, clinical director of the Kingston Wing, added: “We have a philosophy of private experience with NHS peace of mind. And we feel this is what sets us apart from many other private hospitals.

“Our patients can choose our care with confidence, secure in the knowledge that beyond the privacy and luxury of their room sits the full expertise and resource of an NHS hospital, available if ever required.”

Consultant colorectal surgeon Paul Mackey, clinical Lead at Parkside, said: “All profits are reinvested into our local NHS service within Somerset, which over the years has hugely benefitted Yeovil and Musgrove Park Hospitals. “

Hannah Pitman, private patient service at the Kingston Wing, added: “The whole of the Kingston Wing team, from management, administration, nursing, clinical, housekeeping, therapy colleagues and consultants, continue to feel immensely proud to work on this unit which continues to go from strength to strength.”