CHEC, a healthcare provider delivering specialist ophthalmology services in partnership with the NHS, has completed the roll out of its community-based clinics with the opening of a sixth facility in Southern England. Since opening its doors in 2021, CHEC Slough has been undertaking a project to open ‘spoke’ clinics across the region. Spokes act as extensions of the hospital’s ophthalmology offering, available in community settings including GP practices. CHEC says this unique operating model increases equity of access to specialist healthcare for people who struggle to travel to the hospital site, and relieves local waiting lists for outpatient, elective and diagnostic services. CHEC Slough’s sixth spoke has now opened at The Grove Medical Centre in Surrey, completing the roll out. Clinics are also available at Hanwell Eyecare and Real Battersea in London, Chiltern House Medical Centre in Wycombe, Hillview Medical Centre in Surrey, and The Hall Practice in Gerrards Cross. Sundeep Sagoo, Hospital Manager for CHEC Slough said: “Since opening our doors, CHEC Slough has carried out over 8000 cataract surgeries, but we know not everybody feels able to visit the hospital. This could be due to transport or mobility issues, time constraints with work, or simply the need to feel comfortable in more familiar surroundings. “That’s why our community clinics – or our ‘spokes’ – are so important. They break down barriers and make it easier than ever for us to complete the healthcare journeys our patients are taking, speeding up the process and unlocking extra resource in local NHS services, too. Now we have six community clinics up and running, we look forward to seeing the invaluable difference we can make in the region.” In 2023/24, CHEC treated more than 372,000 ophthalmology patients with an average wait time of less than four weeks. CHEC hospitals span the country’s major towns and cities, and each hospital is supported by a minimum of three community clinics, placed in more remote locations, in line with where patients say access to NHS treatment is particularly challenging. To learn more about accessing the ophthalmology treatments CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk CHEC, a healthcare provider delivering specialist ophthalmology services in partnership with the NHS, has completed the roll out of its community-based clinic provision with the opening of a fifth facility in Coventry. Since opening its doors in 2021, CHEC Coventry has been undertaking a project to open ‘spoke’ clinics across the region. Spokes act as extensions of the hospital’s ophthalmology offering, available in community settings including GP practices. CHEC says this unique operating model increases equity of access to specialist healthcare for people who struggle to travel to the hospital site, and relieves local waiting lists for outpatient, elective and diagnostic services. CHEC’s fifth spoke in Coventry has now opened at Whitehall Medical Practice, Rugby, completing the roll out. Clinics are also available at Abbey Medical Centre and Hastings House Medical Centre in Warwickshire, Warwick Gates Family HC in Warwick, and Trinity Court Surgery in Stratford-upon-Avon. Zoe Cooper, Hospital Manager for CHEC Coventry said: “Since opening our doors, CHEC Coventry has consulted more than 28,000 patients and carried out over 9700 cataract surgeries, but we know not everybody feels able to visit the hospital. This could be due to transport or mobility issues, time constraints with work, or simply the need to feel comfortable in more familiar surroundings. “That’s why our community clinics – or our ‘spokes’ – are so important. They break down barriers and make it easier than ever for us to complete the healthcare journeys our patients are taking, speeding up the process and unlocking extra resource in local NHS services, too. Now we have five community clinics up and running, we look forward to seeing the invaluable difference we can make in the region.” In 2023/24, CHEC treated more than 372,000 ophthalmology patients with an average wait time of less than four weeks. CHEC hospitals span the country’s major towns and cities, and each hospital is supported by a minimum of three community clinics, placed in more remote locations, in line with where patients say access to NHS treatment is particularly challenging. To learn more about accessing the ophthalmology treatments CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk CHEC, a healthcare provider delivering specialist ophthalmology services in partnership with the NHS, has completed the roll out of its community-based clinic provision with the opening of a fourth facility in Yorkshire. Since opening its doors in 2023, CHEC Sheffield has been undertaking a project to open ‘spoke’ clinics across the region. Spokes act as extensions of the hospital’s ophthalmology offering, available in community settings including GP practices. CHEC says this unique operating model increases equity of access to specialist healthcare for people who struggle to travel to the hospital site, and relieves local waiting lists for outpatient, elective and diagnostic services. CHEC Sheffield’s fourth spoke in Yorkshire has now opened at Lupset Health Centre in Wakefield, completing the roll out. Clinics are also available at Grange Medical Centre and Northgate Medical Centre in Pontefract, and Ash Grove Medical Centre in Knottingley. Donna Taylor, Hospital Manager for CHEC Sheffield said: “Since opening our doors, CHEC Sheffield has carried out over 900 cataract surgeries, but we know not everybody feels able to visit the hospital. This could be due to transport or mobility issues, time constraints with work, or simply the need to feel comfortable in more familiar surroundings. “That’s why our community clinics – or our ‘spokes’ – are so important. They break down barriers and make it easier than ever for us to complete the healthcare journeys our patients are taking, speeding up the process and unlocking extra resource in local NHS services, too. Now we have four community clinics up and running across Yorkshire, we look forward to seeing the invaluable difference we can make in the region.” In 2023/24, CHEC treated more than 372,000 ophthalmology patients with an average wait time of less than four weeks. CHEC hospitals span the country’s major towns and cities, and each hospital is supported by a minimum of three community clinics, placed in more remote locations, in line with where patients say access to NHS treatment is particularly challenging. To learn more about accessing the ophthalmology treatments CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk Well, what a day it was! The sun was positively beaming down on Delta Hotel Preston, the recently refurbished Victorian manor house providing the perfect backdrop for our first CPD Conference to which we were absolutely delighted to welcome over 80 optometrists and dispensing opticians. The event offered optometry professionals a unique opportunity to earn nine CPD points, enhancing their professional development in an effective and efficient way. And speaking of points, a whopping 696 CPD points were handed out by the time the day wrapped up at 3pm! The buzz in the room was palpable from the moment registration opened at 9 o’clock. It was brilliant to see so many familiar faces, and equally lovely to welcome a host of new ones, all eager to soak up the knowledge and bag some valuable CPD points. A massive thank you to our Senior Partnership Executive, Yaseen Shah, who was a fantastic host, ensuring everything ran smoothly and keeping the smiles coming throughout the day. The agenda was packed with insightful sessions, delivered by our very own expert team, kicking off the CPD sessions, CHEC’s very own Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Director, Mahmoud Rabie, gave delegates the lowdown on the newest cutting-edge intraocular lens options for cataract surgery, bagging them 2 CPD points focusing on their clinical practice and professionalism. Following that, CHEC’s Ophthalmologist, Moemen Elnawawy, delivered a fascinating look at global perspectives on glaucoma, another session that earned attendees 2 CPD points in clinical practice and professionalism. After a well-earned breather, our National Clinical Lead, Karen Dewhurst, led an engaging discussion on the clinical decision-making in cataract referrals, a valuable session worth 3 CPD points aimed at boosting both clinical practice and communication skills. To round off the afternoon, there was an interactive visual recognition test and discussion about common presentations in the community, which secured delegates a further 2 CPD points in clinical practice. CHEC is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of patient care and enhancing the development of optometry professionals. A key part of this ongoing commitment is supporting the CPD cycle with comprehensive training and sharing ophthalmic knowledge. The CPD Conference is the latest in a series of learning opportunities offered by CHEC, reinforcing its dedication to patient safety and quality care. Nicole Stevens, CHEC Events Manager “CHEC is proud to work in partnership with optometry professionals and support them in delivering the highest standards of patient care. Hosting our first full-day CPD Conference was a great opportunity to share our ophthalmic expertise and connect with the optometry community in the North West,” says Nicole Stevens, CHEC Events Manager. “CPD events play a vital role in ensuring healthcare professionals stay at the forefront of their field. We’d like to thank everyone who joined us for making the conference such a success. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum with future events that support professional development with engaging, evidence-based education.” The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, with delegates praising the quality of the presentations, the opportunity to network with colleagues, and the sheer convenience of gaining so many CPD points in a single day. We must also extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors: Surgitrac, Scope, Galloways, and UCLan. Their support was invaluable in making this conference such a triumph. It’s safe to say our first CPD Conference was a cracking success, and we’re already looking forward to planning the next one! Keep your eyes peeled for future announcements – we’d love to see you there! View CHEC’s CPD calendar and register your interest CHEC, a healthcare provider delivering specialist ophthalmology services in partnership with the NHS, has completed the roll out of its community-based clinic provision with the opening of a fourth facility in Basingstoke. Since opening its doors, CHEC Basingstoke has been undertaking a project to open ‘spoke’ clinics across the region. Spokes act as extensions of the hospital’s offering, available in community settings including GP practices. CHEC says this unique operating model increases equity of access to specialist healthcare for people who struggle to travel to the hospital site, and relieves local waiting lists for outpatient, elective and diagnostic services. CHEC’s fourth spoke in Basingstoke has now opened at The Cambridge Practice, Aldershot, completing the roll out. Since September 2024, clinics have also become available at Park Surgery in Eastleigh, Pinehill Surgery in Bordon, and Andover Medical Centre in Andover. Julie Collins, Hospital Manager for CHEC Basingstoke said: “Since opening our doors, CHEC Basingstoke has completed over 57,800 consultations and carried out over 3,900 cataract surgeries, but we know not everybody feels able to visit the hospital. This could be due to transport or mobility issues, time constraints with work, or simply the need to feel comfortable in more familiar surroundings. “That’s why our community clinics – or our ‘spokes’ – are so important. They break down barriers and make it easier than ever for us to complete the healthcare journeys our patients are taking, speeding up the process and unlocking extra resources in local NHS services, too. “Now we have four community clinics up and running across Basingstoke, we look forward to seeing the invaluable difference we can make in the region.” In 2023/24, CHEC treated more than 372,000 ophthalmology patients with an average wait time of less than four weeks. CHEC hospitals span the country’s major towns and cities, and each hospital is supported by a minimum of three community clinics, placed in more remote locations, in line with where patients say access to NHS treatment is particularly challenging. To learn more about accessing the ophthalmology treatments CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk CHEC recently welcomed Mike Reader, MP for Northampton South, to its Northampton Hospital. Mike Reader MP was invited to visit CHEC Northampton, based at Sol Centre to meet its team and gain a first-hand insight into the benefits of community healthcare, including improved patient choice, increased accessibility and shorter waiting times for NHS patients. CHEC provides ophthalmology and gastroenterology services to patients in Northampton and its surrounding areas, with its community approach to healthcare provision enabling patients to be seen in four weeks or less, dramatically enhancing their quality of life. Since opening its doors in 2022, CHEC Northampton has been undertaking a project to open ‘spoke’ clinics across the region, increasing equity of access to specialist healthcare and relieving local waiting lists for outpatient, elective and diagnostic services. Since November 2024, clinics have become available at The Long Buckby Practice, Saxon Spires Brixworth and Albany House Medical Centre in Swellingborough. Joshua Phillips, Hospital Manager, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Mike Reader MP to our hospital, and offer a real-time insight into how our processes and support team help to reduce local waiting times for vital procedures. “Since opening our doors, we have consulted thousands of patients, but we know not everybody feels able to travel as far as the hospital. That’s why our spokes are so important. They break down barriers and make it easier than ever for us to complete the healthcare journeys our patients are taking, closer to home. Now we have several community clinics across Northampton, we look forward to seeing the invaluable difference we can make in the region.” In 2023/24, CHEC treated more than 372,000 ophthalmology patients with an average wait time of less than four weeks. CHEC hospitals span the country’s major towns and cities, and each hospital is supported by a minimum of three community clinics, placed in more remote locations, in line with where patients say access to NHS treatment is particularly challenging. CHEC are celebrating the completion of its first cataract surgery training initiative for NHS registrars. Dedicated to providing future generations of ophthalmologists with high-quality and experiential training, CHEC welcomed a cohort of ST1 to ST7 registrars to its Preston, Blackpool, Coventry, Gateshead and Warrington hospitals, so they could gain real-time exposure to cataract surgery, a high-volume and essential procedure in ophthalmology. The training, which ran for 12 months up to February 2025, was delivered under the guidance of experienced consultants from CHEC. Trainees gained proficiency in phacoemulsification surgery – the gold-standard technique for cataract removal – using state-of-the-art phaco machines; advanced biometry technology; intraocular lens selection to ensure precision in vision correction, and premium intraocular lens implantation. They also received anterior segment management training to enhance their ability to address complex cases, and trained in the use of modern ophthalmic microscopes and instrumentation – critical for high-precision surgical techniques. Developed by Mahmoud Rabie, Clinical Director for Ophthalmology at CHEC, the training was delivered in partnership with NHS deaneries. A new cohort of NHS registrars are now undertaking CHEC’s second year of cataract surgery training provision, which began recently. The cataract surgery training comes alongside a series of additional initiatives, including a new CPD cycle which commenced in January. Last year, CHEC also launched an independent prescribing course placement, helping optometrists to develop their diagnostic skills and understanding of the links between the theory and practice of prescribing, ensuring they can manage patients therapeutically and issue necessary prescriptions. CHEC Clinical Director for Ophthalmology, Mahmoud Rabie Mahmoud said: “We have made a commitment to ensuring trainee ophthalmologists across the country have access to the opportunities and experiences they need to develop hands-on, professional skills. The completion of the first year of our cataract surgery training, and the upcoming launch of its second year, means we’re playing a key role in the development of future ophthalmic surgeons, and we’re pleased that we’ll be integral to their success. “We take it upon ourselves to be at the centre of developing ophthalmology talent in the UK and are in a fantastic position to offer these trainees the chance to work alongside our brilliant team to hone their skills in our specialist hospital environments. We look forward to seeing how this new cohort progresses, and to working with many more trainees in the future.” Berk Abay, an NHS registrar who recently completed the cataract surgery training with CHEC, said: “During my seven months as a trainee surgeon at CHEC Blackpool, I had the privilege of working under the guidance of expert ophthalmologists, whose encouraging and relaxed approach greatly boosted my confidence. Under their mentorship, I was able to significantly enhance my cataract surgery skills. CHEC’s theatre staff were incredibly supportive, always willing to assist, and their dedication to compassionate, patient-centred care was truly inspiring. “The culture at CHEC fosters an excellent learning environment, making it an invaluable place for trainee surgeons to develop their skills and grow in confidence.” Trainee surgeon Berk Abay with CHEC’s Moemen Elnawawy Any NHS deaneries interested in partnering with CHEC to provide ophthalmology training, or requiring additional information on the surgical programme, should contact education@chec.uk. CHEC supports community health and wellbeing beyond the clinic with local giving. CHEC are proud to reinforce our commitment to care in the community by donating £1,000 to OPAL, a Leeds based charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of people aged 60 and over. CHEC Leeds, based in West Park, donated vital funds to help ensure OPAL can continue supporting older people in the community and maintain its beloved Welcome In Community Centre. CHEC’s contribution reflects its ethos of care in the community, with both organisations aligned on the mission to provide meaningful support to local residents. Founded in 2002, OPAL works to reduce isolation and loneliness in the LS16 area, currently supporting over 760 members with the help of more than 100 volunteers. The charity works to improve quality of life by providing opportunities for social, health, and wellbeing activities such as exercise classes, social groups, and luncheon clubs. Finance streams are increasingly challenging for OPAL, with statutory funding set to decrease and competition for grants increasing in recent years. CHEC’s donation will provide much-needed support, helping the charity to continue delivering provisions that meet community needs. “I am incredibly grateful to CHEC for the generous donation. Our work changes the lives of older people, reducing loneliness and improving their quality of life,” explains Ailsa Rhodes MBE, CEO of OPAL. “Like most charities, we are facing very challenging times. We rely on the goodwill of others and really appreciate CHEC choosing to support us. This contribution will help us continue making a difference.” “CHEC Leeds is incredibly proud to support OPAL. OPAL’s work is vital to our community, providing essential support to those who need it most. We believe in strengthening the fabric of our local area, and OPAL does just that,” says Eleanor Rushforth, Hospital Manager. “Just like OPAL, we’re here to serve the people of Leeds and are dedicated to making a difference. Since opening our doors in September 2024, it’s become clear there was a real need for accessible, high-quality eye care in the Leeds community. CHEC Leeds has been delivering essential eye surgeries in four weeks or less, improving the lives of local people and contributing to the wider community.” To learn more about OPAL and how it enhances the lives of people aged 60 and over, please visit: https://opal-project.org.uk/ To learn more about the community healthcare services CHEC Leeds provides to local residents, please visit: https://chec.uk/location/leeds/