Benenden
| The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited is an incorporated friendly society registered under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 (UK), registered number 480F. It uses the trading style 'Benenden' in all branding | |
| Founded | United Kingdom, 1905 |
| Headquarters | York, United Kingdom |
Key people | Marc Bell, Chief Executive. Ted Elsey, Chairman of the Committee of Management. Jane Abbott, Clinical Services Director |
| Products | health & wellbeing services |
Number of employees | 650 (approx) |
| Website | benenden.co.uk |
The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited (styled Benenden) is a mutual society in the UK providing private medical cover. Its membership consists of 900,000 individuals and employees of corporate schemes provided by them. Benenden has been the shirt sponsor of York City Football Club since the 2012–13 season.
History
The Post Office Sanatorium Society was founded in 1905 to help working class Post Office employees control the tuberculosis epidemic when conventional medical insurance was not widely affordable. The business model of weekly member fees was proposed by a Post Office clerk, Charles Garland.
In 1923 the name became The Post Office and Civil Service Sanatorium Society, as the membership was opened to a new industry. In October 1990, the registered office moved from London to York. Ahead of its Time, a film about Benenden's history was made by Trafalgar Productions in 2011.
In June 2012, delegates at Benenden's annual conference in Manchester voted to remove the last of its membership eligibility criteria, meaning that anyone in the United Kingdom aged 16 and over could now join Benenden.[1] Also in June 2012, Benenden became shirt sponsor of York City Football Club.[2]
In January 2013, Benenden Healthcare Society rebranded with new trading style 'benenden health'.[3] Due to the rebrand, benenden health also enabled a free mid-season shirt swap with York City Football Club.[4]
In June 2013, Benenden was voted UK's 'most trusted' private healthcare provider for the third year running in the Moneywise Most Trusted awards.[5] As of June 2015, it has been voted for this award for five years running.
As of 2015, the organisation was trading as 'Benenden'.
Services
Benenden has recently added further products beyond healthcare, including travel and home insurance.
Satisfaction surveys vary from a 2011 in-house survey at 99% to 2.8 stars out of 5 at reviewcentre.com (from 48 reviews)
Benenden Hospital
Benenden Hospital was founded in 1907 in Benenden, Kent and became the centre for hospital treatment for members of Trade Unions and Friendly Societies and subsequently large numbers of public sector employees who joined what is now benenden health.
The services provided at the hospital have moved with the times. From treatment for tuberculosis - which was its original role - to the management of chest diseases, to the current day where the hospital provides a wide range of consultation, diagnosis and treatment services for most medical and surgical specialties.
In recent years the hospital has increasingly had patients who are not members of benenden health. Local National Health Service agencies are increasing their use of the hospital's facilities, as are patients who use private medical insurance or who pay directly for their own hospital care.
The hospital provides a range of clinical services which are tailored to meet the needs of individual patients. The hospital has a Modern Matron – a senior and experienced professional – who has the authority to resolve problems.
The hospital is in the heart of rural Kent and is accessible by road or by rail from many parts of south and south east England.
References
- Benenden: The History of The Benenden Healthcare Society 1905-2005, Bill McPate, 2006, William Sessions Limited, York.
- Caring for Generations: The Benenden Story 1905-2005, Sarah Smelik, 2005, Leeds Press Ltd, Leeds.
- Post Office & Civil Service Sanatorium Society: A History 1905-1980, Kingfisher-Kent, Tunbridge Wells.
- ↑ "Benenden Healthcare set to open doors to all". benenden.co.uk. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
- ↑ "Benenden Healthcare to support Wembley winners York City FC in forthcoming season". benenden.co.uk. 14 June 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
- ↑ "Benenden Healthcare rebrands and looks to grow in tough healthcare market". benenden.co.uk. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
- ↑ "York City sponsor in "Shirt Swap"". yorkpress.co.uk. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
- ↑ "Benenden Health scoops hat trick of prestigious customer service awards". yorkpress.co.uk. 14 June 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2013.