An in-depth profile on CHEC’s Chief Nurse Alison Fitzsimmons Alison Fitzsimmons is the Chief Nurse at CHEC, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for delivering high-quality, safe patient care. Her career journey is a testament to her dedication and leadership within the healthcare sector. Alison’s journey began at 18, directly after leaving school, when she embarked on her three-year nurse training, leading to her registration with the NMC. She quickly progressed through various junior roles, gaining expertise in cancer care and treatment, cardiology, coronary care and general medicine. A move into a senior nursing position in medicine and gastroenterology was followed by a specialisation in cardiothoracic intensive care. By the age of 26, she had achieved the position of ward sister, a role she describes as one of her most challenging, encompassing 24-hour responsibility for patient care and the management of a 30-strong team. In 2001, Alison transitioned to independent healthcare, serving as a matron at a standalone private hospital for five years. She then returned to the NHS, taking on leadership roles across various specialties within large NHS trusts in South East England. After 14 years, she returned to the private sector in 2019, becoming Director of Clinical Services for Spire Healthcare, where she focused on raising hospital standards for CQC inspections. She also held a leadership role at Aspen Healthcare prior to it being taken over by Nuffield. Alison joined CHEC as Chief Nurse in 2022. Throughout her career, Alison has prioritised professional development, achieving a Masters level qualification in Clinical Executive Leadership, and training as a Myers-Briggs personality facilitator and 360 feedback facilitator. Since joining CHEC, she has overseen significant growth, expanding the organisation from 12 to nearly 35 hospitals and introducing new services, including dermatology and ENT, alongside the established ophthalmology and endoscopy services. This expansion has necessitated robust governance and patient safety systems, ensuring the highest standards of care. Alison believes in approachable and facilitative leadership, guiding her teams to make informed decisions and empowering them to deliver exceptional patient care. She strives to be an effective senior leader, understanding the needs of both staff and patients. Her vision for CHEC is to continue providing accessible, high-quality local healthcare, with patients actively involved in shaping future services. She is driven by a commitment to patient safety and quality, aiming to create systems that prevent any patient from receiving substandard care. Alison was drawn to CHEC’s growth and its unique hybrid model of independent healthcare delivering NHS services. She finds inspiration in witnessing patients receive excellent care and is deeply motivated to prevent any deviations from this standard. She values visiting CHEC hospitals, engaging with staff and patients, and maintaining an approachable presence. Alison believes CHEC offers a supportive environment for those new to healthcare, with opportunities for development and a collaborative team culture. She encourages individuals to join and contribute to the company’s growth. As Chief Nurse, Alison’s priorities include leading team growth and development, providing strong leadership and support, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services. Patient Testimonials Exquisite and exemplary cataract customer service from booking to surgery follow-up appointments. The staff throughout both procedures have been extremely supportive, professional, and compassionate. Keith R Whitburn The nurse clearly explained what checks she was about to carry out and made me feel relaxed during the process. Trevor Wood I was terrified of undergoing the procedure, but the Endoscopist and the nurses present were wonderful and made an uncomfortable procedure as pleasant as possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who were present. Gayle Taylor Fantastic staff from entering the building to leaving. Everybody was friendly, confident and couldn't have asked for anymore from them. A genuine credit to the NHS. Gareth The service and treatment were outstanding, with no long waiting time for an appointment. Following my consultation, I was given an appointment the next day to have my cataract removed. What a great service. John Elliott It was a very quick process from the consultation to the procedure. Very friendly and helpful staff. Helen C My 2nd cataract surgery was, in my opinion, a superb example of patient care. My surgeon and all the other staff were great ambassadors for CHEC. John Dunbavand I just had my cataract surgery at CHEC. Despite my nerves, the staff were reassuring and made me feel comfortable. The surgery was quick, I was kept informed at every stage which was great. I cannot recommend CHEC highly enough. Gill As soon as I arrived, I was made to feel at ease. All staff were friendly but professional, they couldn’t have been any better. I now have no fear in returning to continue my treatment. Linda S This was my first visit to CHEC, the Reception staff were extremely helpful and polite. All the other staff were very pleasant and made you feel welcome to be there, credit to you all. Linda James Welcoming, friendly, attentive, efficient, and above all, patient. Having my eyes tested at this practice provided excellent service at a time when one might wonder why these tests are necessary. Thanks to the staff I met today. Kevin Johnson The staff at Ilford were excellent. The nurses explained my procedure step by step, and when I met with the doctor, they were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. Thank you so much. Barbara Murphy The staff are all very friendly, very kind and very smiley. I had a good experience, and I would definitely recommend Ilford practice to friends and family. Raahim I had my second cataract procedure at CHEC in Blackpool today. Once again l was impressed by the kindness, helpfulness, good humour, and professionalism of everybody who works there. Thank you. Graham Jones I had a laser capsulotomy treatment in Stevenage on Monday 26th February. I was in and out of the treatment centre in under 10 minutes. All instructions were easy to follow with astonishing results. Well-done and thank you. S Frost The staff were brilliant at each stage which made the entire process calming, from consultation through to the surgery. The receptionists were fantastic. Kim I found the whole process to be highly professional and competent and would therefore recommend this organisation without reservation to anyone who needs cataract surgery. Nigel Morgan I was made to feel relaxed from the moment we arrived by all the amazing staff. I wish other medical institutions were like this. Thank you. K.R. All the staff were attentive, polite and friendly. They listened to my individual needs and took great care of me. Mary Dyas Really quick referral and appointment at CHEC Stockport. Lovely staff. Efficient and timely appropriate medical care. Responsive follow up. Premises are really clean and a pleasant experience at a worrying time of a health issue involving eyesight. Excellent care thank you! Richard I am very pleased with the service at CHEC, it is absolutely first-class. From the receptionists, the way I was treated and having the operation done was good. Since having the operation my vision has been very good. Anonymous The whole process has been very fast and exceeded my expectations. The staff are all very friendly and professional. I am very pleased with CHEC Northampton. Anonymous I’m amazed by the quick, efficient service and ecstatic about the results. I now see car number plates, road signs, and TV text bright and clearly, with everything appearing detailed. This is the best birthday present ever. Thank you so much, please don’t change a thing. Marian Curran