PEOPLE partied like it was 1984 as they celebrated a major milestone for a private hospital which is a key feature of the health sector and local community in the Basingstoke area.

Oakley Hall Hotel, near Oakley, was the venue for the 30th anniversary party for BMI The Hampshire Clinic, in Old Basing.

There was a real party atmosphere as more than 250 members of staff, including past and present employees, and guests celebrated the landmark occasion.

Bruce Robinson, executive director of the hospital, told those present: “Anniversaries are all about celebrating success and recognising what has been achieved over the years.

“I am delighted to be able to recognise the entrepreneurial spirit of the two founders, Richard Browne and Hugh Ogus, who are both here tonight. It must have taken courage and foresight in 1984 to set up a private hospital in Old Basing.

“The Clinic now sees over 42,000 patients a year, and many travel from all over the world to seek care from the team at the hospital.

“Patient satisfaction stands at an all-time high, with over 98 per cent of patients ranking their overall care experience as either excellent or very good.

“What is great about the vision that was set 30 years ago is that the values today are very much what they have always been. Personalised patient care is at the forefront of what we do.

“I am extremely pleased that many of our stakeholders are here tonight – GPs, consultants, affiliated practitioners and, of course, 200 members of staff, and I would like to thank them for continuing the spirit of what The Hampshire Clinic is all about.”

As well as being an evening of celebration for everyone associated with BMI The Hampshire Clinic, it was also a memorable night for local charity Basingstoke NeighbourCare.

The vital community organisation, whose 100 volunteers help people in need in Basingstoke to get to hospital and GP appointments, has been the charity of the year for the private hospital, and staff have raised £2,500.

Basingstoke NeighbourCare chairman Colin Hunsley, who accepted a cheque from Mr Robinson, said: “The enthusiasm that people at The Hampshire Clinic have shown in their fundraising has been incredible.

“This vital contribution means we can continue to help people in Basingstoke, who have trouble getting to appointments and other places.

“Having the support of The Hampshire Clinic staff has also helped to raise the profile of the charity. Support like this makes such a telling difference.”