CHEC’s new Macclesfield site set to reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, has confirmed it will be opening a new hospital in Macclesfield. Based in Macclesfield town centre, the conveniently located facility will help reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice by providing access to ophthalmology and ENT services in the community. CHEC is currently fitting out the 8,102 square foot building into a state-of-the-art clinical facility complete. The new hospital also has nearby parking and excellent transport links, with Macclesfield bus and train stations located within walking distance. Working with the NHS, CHEC has more than 30 community hospitals and 90 community clinics nationwide. The addition of CHEC Macclesfield strengthens its existing North West England stronghold which already includes Warrington, Stockport, and Manchester’s Trafford Park. “Patient choice, exceptional care and equity of access are central to CHEC’s operations and ethos, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with NHS partners nationwide, helping to keep waiting times to a minimum while delivering the very best quality of care,” explains Jose Bailey, Chief Commercial Officer at CHEC. “For well over a decade, we’ve been trusted by the NHS to deliver healthcare services free of charge, and we can’t wait to open our doors and become part of the Macclesfield community. In the meantime, we’d welcome any residents to get in touch and learn more about how we work with the NHS to make much-needed treatments more readily accessible.” Upon opening, treatments will be within four weeks of receipt of referral. To register your interest in the services CHEC will provide at its Macclesfield site, please contact engagement@chec.uk CHEC Loughborough is set to reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice As one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, we are proud to confirm we will be opening a new Loughborough hospital in March 2025. Based in central Loughborough, the conveniently located facility will help reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice by providing access to ophthalmology, dermatology, and ENT services in the community. The new hospital will be located at The Rushes in Loughborough town centre. With excellent public transport links and nearby parking, CHEC is currently fitting out its new location into a state-of-the-art clinical facility. Working with the NHS, CHEC has more than 30 community hospitals and 90 community clinics nationwide. The addition of CHEC Loughborough strengthens its existing East Midlands stronghold which already includes Leicester and Nottingham. “Patient choice, exceptional care and equity of access are central to CHEC’s ethos, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with the NHS nationwide, helping to keep waiting times to a minimum while delivering the very best quality of care,” explains Jose Bailey, Chief Commercial Officer at CHEC. “For well over a decade, we’ve been trusted by the NHS to deliver healthcare services free of charge, and we can’t wait to open our doors and become part of the Loughborough community. In the meantime, we’d welcome any residents to get in touch and learn more about how we work with the NHS to make much-needed treatments more readily accessible.” Upon opening, treatments in both specialties will be within four weeks of receipt of referral. To register your interest in the services CHEC will provide at its Loughborough site, please contact engagement@chec.uk CHEC, a community healthcare provider delivering specialist ophthalmology services in partnership with the NHS, recently welcomed Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, to its new site in Wandsworth (Friday 17th Jan 2025) to share insights on how independent eyecare services can help free up NHS waiting times. Ms de Cordova MP, who is registered as blind, is lobbying for a National Eye Health Strategy Bill in Parliament to improve eye health outcomes, following the launch of her report ‘Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives’, which looked at current barriers to visually impaired people entering the workforce. Ms de Cordova MP has long campaigned for equal access to eyecare for all, declaring the UK’s current waiting lists for ophthalmology services as ‘an emergency’ in 2024. She visited CHEC Wandsworth, which opens soon at The Filaments, and met with CHEC’s deputy CEO Matt Currall, Hospital Manager Amy Notschild, Chief Medical Officer Des Breen, and Head of Partnerships for the South Steve Hunkin. Together they explained how the hospital – and the wider CHEC operating model – uses community care and a collaborative approach to reduce local waiting times by treating patients within four weeks of initial referral, and ease pressure on the NHS. With 30 hospitals and 90 community sites across England, in 2023/24, CHEC consulted over 374,000 patients, with 98% feeling satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment they received. Matt Currall said of the visit: “It was a pleasure to welcome Ms de Cordova MP to our new Wandsworth hospital, and offer a real-time demonstration and insight into how our processes and support team help to reduce local waiting times for vital ophthalmology procedures. “As an organisation, we echo Ms de Cordova’s stance on the importance of collaboration between all healthcare providers to ensure equity of access to high-quality care, because in so many cases, it proves to be both transformative for the patient and for struggling NHS services. We welcome the introduction of her National Eye Health Strategy Bill and hope it will be successful.” Marsha de Cordova MP commented: “It was good to visit CHEC Wandsworth to see how their innovative community-based service model is delivering better eye health outcomes for local people, as well as discuss how a National Eye Health Strategy would aid this work. “With the NHS under immense pressure and ophthalmology waiting lists eye-wateringly high, it is vital that we look at how we prioritise and deliver eye care, including through a National Eye Health Strategy, to get wait lists down and deliver better results for patients.”of her National Eye Health Strategy Bill and hope it will be successful.” Community healthcare provider marks major milestone for patient choice and equitable access CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, were celebrating earlier this week after treating the 5,000th patient at its Newcastle Gateshead hospital. Working with the NHS, CHEC gives local residents increased choice and improved access to ophthalmology and gastroenterology services in the community. Cecelia Belisle, from Tyne & Wear, went home with the title of 5,000th patient after having cataract surgery with CHEC Newcastle Gateshead. With a referral to treatment time of less than four weeks, Cecelia was extremely pleased with the quality of care delivered by CHEC. Based in Gateshead Metrocentre, CHEC Newcastle Gateshead opened its doors to the local community and surrounding areas in 2022. Since then, over five thousand patients have chosen CHEC Newcastle Gateshead as their community eye and gastroenterology hospital. The hospital has also pioneered a series of initiatives that make healthcare services more accessible, including a free Home to Hospital™ pick up service and the launch of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). “Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and what a truly magical moment to be there when Cecelia became our 5,000th patient,” said Victoria Westgate, Hospital Manager. “Patient choice and care are central to our operations, and we’ve developed several initiatives that make healthcare services more accessible. But the most rewarding part is seeing the impact our work has on people like Cecelia. Thank you, Cecelia, and thank you to the CHEC Newcastle Gateshead team for everything you do, everyday!” Headquartered in Preston, CHEC has more than 30 hospitals and 90 community clinics across England, with a Northern stronghold through its Leeds, Blackpool and Accrington hospitals. To learn more accessing the community-based treatments CHEC provides with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk CHEC marks one year milestone with community celebration Staff and patients at CHEC Milton Keynes were celebrating this week after the community-based healthcare provider marked its one year anniversary. Marie Bradburn, Mayor of Milton Keynes, also joined in on the anniversary celebrations, gaining a first-hand insight into the benefits of community healthcare, including improved patient choice, increased accessibility and shorter waiting times. CHEC Milton Keynes provides ophthalmology and gastroenterology services to patients across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. The community hospital has also succeeded in consistently maintaining very low waiting times, with patients currently able to access treatment in less than four weeks, dramatically enhancing their quality of life. “It’s hard to believe it’s only a year ago that we opened our doors and welcomed our first patients to CHEC Milton Keynes,” comments Bhavin Vadhia, Hospital Manager. “We’d like to thank Marie Bradburn and the local community for joining us to celebrate our first anniversary!” Over the last 12 months, CHEC Milton Keynes has pioneered a series of initiatives that make it easier for patients to access its community-based healthcare services. These include a free Home to Hospital™ pick up service and an online patient booking app. “We’d also like to thank all our patients for choosing CHEC, and trusting us to deliver the highest standards of care,” continues Bhavin. “Patient choice and reducing waiting times are at the forefront of the NHS agenda. Working with the NHS, we constantly look for new ways to make it easier for patients in the local community to exercise that choice and access the treatment they need.” CHEC has established a stronghold for community healthcare provision across the Central England region, with hospitals in Northampton and Stevenage. Throughout the UK, CHEC now has more than 30 hospitals and over 90 community clinics. To learn more accessing the ophthalmology treatments CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk At CHEC, we’re dedicated to partnering with community optometrists to uphold the highest standards of patient care. A key part of this commitment is sharing our ophthalmic knowledge and expertise through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training. Starting January 16th, our new CPD cycle offers a range of valuable learning opportunities designed to enhance skills, expand knowledge, and ultimately improve patient care. Our comprehensive programme of accredited CPD events is ratified by the General Optical Council, and we collaborate closely with Local Optical Committees nationwide to ensure we meet the evolving needs of the optometry community. Investing in Your Expertise: CHEC’s Commitment to CPD Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals to stay at the forefront of their field, ensuring they provide the best possible care for patients. At CHEC, we understand the importance of ongoing learning and are committed to supporting the professional growth of our colleagues and external partners. CHEC’s Dedication to CPD In 2024 alone, CHEC proudly hosted an impressive 27 CPD events across the country, awarding a remarkable total of 5,172 CPD points. This demonstrates our substantial investment in providing high-quality educational opportunities for professionals in the healthcare sector. Why CPD Matters CPD is more than just attending courses; it’s a commitment to lifelong learning and improvement. It helps professionals: Stay up-to-date: Keep abreast of the latest advancements, research, and best practices in their field. Enhance skills and knowledge: Develop new skills and deepen existing knowledge to improve clinical practice. Improve patient outcomes: Ultimately, CPD contributes to better patient care and improved health outcomes. Meet professional requirements: Many professional bodies require healthcare professionals to engage in regular CPD to maintain their registration and competence. Our CPD events are designed to provide valuable learning experiences that are both informative and engaging. But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our recent attendees had to say: “Really well presented – nice to have 2 expert opinions on topics. I think having someone moderating the chat the entire time was so useful too.” “I couldn’t fault last night’s CPD event! Compliments on the food provided, and everyone was welcoming as Hosts. The presentation was informative and got everyone thinking about the subject being discussed. Sheena was a clear speaker with a very professional presentation.” “The presentation was very interesting and easy to understand. I found the way Dr Moeman explained things very engaging. He explained the topic of Glaucoma very well and I feel I understand it much better now. I have attended CPD lectures before, but this one was by far my favourite purely because of the way it was delivered. Many thanks.” Looking Ahead Kickstart your professional development in 2025 with CHEC’s new CPD cycle, launching on January 16th! We’re beginning with an engaging virtual event focused on “Cataract in Diabetics – Walking The Tightrope,” setting the stage for a year of enriching learning experiences. Join Mahmoud Rabie, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specializing in cataract and retina and CHEC Clinical Director of Ophthalmology, for our first CPD event of the cycle which offers 2 CPD points. This event will be hosted virtually ahead of the opening of our new Wandsworth site. Whether you prefer face-to-face learning or the convenience of online sessions, we have a range of CPD events to suit your needs. Discover our in-person and virtual options. View CPD Calendar Here’s what Mahmoud Rabie, Clinical Director for Ophthalmology at CHEC, has to say the importance of CPD and his hopes for 2025. “My CHEC colleagues and I are thrilled to bring CPD learning back to industry professionals. After a pause with the end of the cycle, I’m excited to share CHEC expertise and reconnect with professionals of the Optometry World across the UK in 2025. CPD is the foundation for staying at the forefront of clinical excellence, delivering outstanding patient care, and advancing your career. Let’s grow and innovate together!” Gain Your points In One Day with Our Super CPD Event Get ready for a CPD experience like no other! In May 2025, CHEC is thrilled to introduce our first-ever Super CPD event, offering an incredible opportunity to earn a substantial number of CPD points in just one action-packed day. This is the perfect chance to boost your professional development efficiently and effectively. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity – register your interest today to secure your spot and be among the first to experience CHEC Super CPD! CHEC Super CPD Day As part of an ongoing commitment to upskilling the eye care industry, CHEC now offers a dedicated Independent Prescribing (IP) Clinical Placement Programme, aimed at enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals. Open to qualified optometrists, and available in CHEC hospitals across England, the placement allows IP students to develop crucial prescribing competencies by observing patient care, participating in examinations, and working closely with expert ophthalmologists. As an optometrist navigating the final stages of her IP qualification, Brooke Hutchins faced the challenge of securing a clinical placement. Brooke discovered CHEC’s IP programme through a peer, and a few weeks later began her placement journey at CHEC. As the first student to complete CHEC’s IP placement, Brooke shares her experiences and the pivotal role her placement played in becoming a qualified prescribing optometrist. Learning with CHEC During her placement at CHEC’s Stevenage hospital, Brooke gained important hands-on clinical training, excelling in the dynamic hospital environment where she was exposed to a broad spectrum of general ophthalmology outpatient cases. Her first-hand experience with a diverse range of ophthalmic conditions significantly deepened Brooke’s understanding of diagnosis and patient management, and the issuing of necessary prescriptions. Throughout her time at CHEC, Brooke was able to observe clinical interactions between patients and prescribing ophthalmologists, take part in the examination and assessment of patients, and liaise with prescribing ophthalmologists on patients’ clinical cases. “My IP placement at CHEC was an incredible learning experience,” says Brooke. “The opportunity to work closely with and learn from seasoned doctors and surgeons, develop my diagnostic skills, and understand the links between the theory and practice of prescribing was invaluable.” A standout aspect of Brooke’s experience was her strengthened understanding of glaucoma management, considerably boosting her confidence in treating the condition. Brooke also observed new treatment applications and techniques, helping to improve her own practices. “Coming from an optometry background, it was enlightening to broaden my perspective and explore a different stage of the eye treatment journey,” continues Brooke. “The chance to see new techniques and approaches has greatly improved my own practice, and will enhance the support I’m able to offer my future patients.” Crossing the finish line Brooke’s successful completion of her placement at CHEC was vital in securing her a place in the Therapeutics Common Final Assessment. To qualify for the exam, the final step to becoming a qualified independent prescriber, students must complete at least 24 x 3-hour sessions in the HES or specialist general practice. By completing the required number of clinical sessions before the July deadline, Brooke avoided the need to wait for the next exam sitting in November. This allowed Brooke to kickstart her professional progression earlier than anticipated, making her excited about future career prospects. Despite finding the exam challenging, Brooke was thrilled to learn that she passed in August. In Brooke’s own words, finding out she passed the final exam, ‘felt like winning an Olympic medal!’ “Becoming an Independent Prescriber is not only a big personal milestone but also improves my capabilities as an optometrist,” she explains. “It allows me to offer a higher level of care and make a more meaningful impact on my patients.” Looking to the future With her new credentials as a certified Independent Prescriber, Brooke is eagerly preparing for the next chapter of her career. Brooke is set to begin a new part-time role in a hospital, whilst continuing her work as a resident in a local independent optometry practice. She is excited to utilise her new knowledge and skills to benefit patients and is eager to continue learning as her career progresses. “The Independent Prescribing placement has truly opened new doors for me,” says Brooke. “Thanks to CHEC, especially the Stevenage hospital, I’ve been able to move forward without the delay of waiting for the next exam sitting. This has allowed me to pursue roles and opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to before. “I highly recommend CHEC to anyone looking for an IP placement. Their support was invaluable, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to advance my career and make a greater impact.” To learn more about elevating your career with Independent Prescribing Clinical Placement at CHEC here. The NHS is a treasured service, but it’s no secret that waiting lists for certain treatments can be a significant challenge for patients. Over the decades, the NHS has continually adapted and evolved to meet the changing needs of the population, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and dedication to improving patient care. The latest reform plan will see millions of patients able to access more appointments closer to home, with the announcement of a new partnership agreement between the NHS and the independent sector. At CHEC, we’ve been a proud partner to the NHS for over 12 years. We are ready to continue our shared care approach to help reduce waiting times and ensure patients receive the timely, quality care they need. Health and Social Care Secretary WES Streeting said, “I’m not going to allow working people to wait longer than is necessary, when we can get them treated sooner in a private hospital, paid for by the NHS. If the wealthy can be treated on time, then so should NHS patients. “The steps we have already taken in the first six months have seen waiting lists begin to fall. The investment and reform we are now making will cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks.” Our Commitment to Efficient Care CHEC is one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, specialising in Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, ENT and Dermatology services on behalf of the NHS, offering patient choice and access to timely care and treatment locally. CHEC CEO, Imran Rahman, MB BS FRCOphth said; “This new partnership agreement marks an important step in addressing the challenges facing the NHS. CHEC is proud to be part of the solution, offering our expertise and capacity to help alleviate pressure on NHS services. “We believe our proven track record of delivering rapid access to exceptional care makes us a key resource in this mission. Across our thirty hospitals, we consistently achieve our target of offering 100% of our patients an appointment within 0-4 weeks, leading to improved health outcomes and a quicker recovery. “This demonstrates our commitment to providing efficient, patient-centred care and our readiness to support the NHS in meeting its waiting time targets.” Our close partnership with the NHS allows us to provide additional capacity as well as effectively reducing pressure on their resources. CHEC’s modern, state-of-the-art hospitals are equipped with the latest technology, enabling us to deliver efficient and effective care. This is all supported by our dedicated team of experienced healthcare professionals who are committed to providing high-quality care to every patient. We pride ourselves on supplying healthcare services in local community settings and offering free Home to HospitalTM transport, providing greater convenience for patients. Our partnership with the NHS enhances patient choice, ensuring access to timely care and treatment within their local communities. Learn more about Patient Choice. If you’re an NHS patient waiting for Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, ENT or Dermatology treatment, talk to your GP or eye care professional about a referral to CHEC.