THE purpose-built NHS treatment centre, opened next to Bodmin Community Hospital, will celebrate its tenth birthday on Friday.

The hospital was designed to provide facilities and equipment for assessment, diagnosis and treatment on a day case basis.

It was built to ease demand on Bodmin Community Hospital and Treliske. Run by Ramsay Care, the centre has become a real asset to the community over the last ten years.

Since opening, more than 98,000 patients have walked through the doors of the treatment centre — that equates to almost one in five of the population of Cornwall. This has included 42,000 day cases and 56,000 outpatient visits.

The day case procedures carried out over the last decade have included: 12,000 cataract replacements; 15,000 endoscopies; 2,000 hernia repairs; 3,500 maxillo facial dental; 3,000 dermatology; 4,700 gynae procedures; 1,000 orthopaedic; 400 ENT.

The treatment centre has become popular due to its short wait times, consultant-led care and free parking.

Patients have found it convenient as it can save them long journeys to larger hospitals such as Derriford or Treliske.

Bodmin Treatment Centre patient Mr Gronwalt said: “My overall care at Bodmin treatment centre was first class in every way.”

Another patient, Mrs Carolyn May, said: “The care was excellent and the hospital spotless. The staff were professional, friendly and polite, not to mention helpful. Well done!”

Over the last ten years the hospital has been providing services such as a ‘See and Treat’ cataract clinic, which has been of great benefit to people in Cornwall.

A See and Treat clinic means patients can have their consultation in the morning, and then if treatment is required have their procedure that afternoon, saving them making another visit to the hospital.

Chris Sealey, the centre’s general manager said “I have been involved with Bodmin Treatment Centre since its very beginning and I am enormously proud of what the team have achieved over the past decade. We look forward to the next ten years of providing high quality care in Bodmin.”