Deteriorating eyesight impacts many different parts of our life, from our health and safety through to our hobbies and interests. For Barbara Potter, having cataracts was beginning to affect her favourite pastime of lacemaking. She sought the support of CHEC to bring her eyes back to full health, but came to rely on the team more than she expected during her surgery. 

A mother of two and grandmother of four, Northampton-based Barbara has worn glasses since the age of 11 but in 2015, she lost central vision in her left eye. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with myopic macular degeneration (MMD), a condition where the eyeball elongates and stretches the retina. A course of injections helped tackle the issue and Barbara was able to continue with her hobbies – which also included art and reading – without issue.

Soon after, Barbara was diagnosed with cataracts during a routine hospital visit to assess her MMD. As they weren’t posing any significant risk, she was told to monitor the cataracts and report back if they began to impact her life. By the summer of 2023, they had progressed significantly. 

A need to take action

“The seasons were changing, autumn and winter were incoming, and car headlights were beginning to really affect me at night,” Barbara said. “But I knew the cataracts must be getting worse as my eyesight was affecting my lacemaking, too. I was having to use a very large magnifying glass and thicker thread to see, neither of which is ideal for the intricate work I do. Reading also became more difficult.”

Barbara spoke to her optician, who shared the different options available, including waiting six weeks for a hospital consultation. Instead, on the advice of a friend, Barbara opted to be referred to CHEC, which works in partnership with the NHS to give patients the option of choice when it comes to the next steps in their treatment. 

Barbara said: “My friend couldn’t speak highly enough of the care they’d received, so that, along with the much shorter waiting times and knowing that CHEC works closely with the NHS, swayed me in their direction.”

Support going over and above

Within days of the referral being made, CHEC had made contact with Barbara to arrange a pre op for her first procedure, which took place in September. While the operation was a complete success, Barbara unfortunately suffered from a panic attack while in recovery. Thankfully, the CHEC team were on hand.

“I’ve never had a panic attack before, so I had no idea what was happening,” Barbara said. “I suddenly felt very overwhelmed, but the team spotted it and swooped in to help me. They talked me through breathing procedures and offered me some water. They really took their time with me until I felt better – they couldn’t have done more. Furthermore, they telephoned me the following day to make sure I had no lasting effects from the episode.”

Feeling reassured and with a plan in place to try and prevent a future panic attack, Barbara’s second procedure was booked in for the end of October. It went as planned, and without any issues, Barbara was sent home to recover – noticing an immediate difference to her sight. 

“Something I hadn’t realised before the first operation was how much my ability to see colour had been affected by the cataracts,” Barbara said. “After the operations, everything immediately seemed brighter and fresher, in the same way that a painting does when the old varnish is removed – it was the first thing I noticed. It was as if my eyesight had been on The Repair Shop and restored by an expert!

“The main change in my life, though, is my morning shower. Previously I’d have to take my glasses off and when I put them back on, they’d be steamed up and unusable. Now, I don’t need glasses at all.”

The right step to take

Now fully recovered from both operations, Barbara has been able to return to her hobbies, including her beloved lacemaking.

“I have been a lacemaker for about 40 years with both bobbin lace and needle lace, both of which are very fine,” she said. “Before my operation I found that I needed magnification in order to see the elaborate lace that I was making. Now that I have had my cataracts removed, I can see much clearer and no longer need the magnification at all.”

Thoroughly impressed with the experience and care provided, Barbara is now a strong advocate for CHEC and all the support it offers those struggling with their eyesight. 

“I’ve already recommended CHEC to several different people,” she said, “and will continue to recommend it in the future. The level of care and professionalism was excellent. Cataract surgery isn’t something anyone would look forward to but they made it easy. Choosing CHEC was definitely the right step to take.”

Community healthcare provider restores sight for local residents in partnership with the NHS.

CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, has marked a clinical milestone after treating the first surgical eye patients at its new treatment centre at the REAL Battersea clinic. 

One of the first patients to benefit from CHEC’s community cataract procedures was Mrs Frances Hindmarsh, aged 81 from Chiswick. Following the cataract surgery on her right eye, Mrs Hindmarsh has noticed how blue the sky is and is able to read again. 

When asked about her experience being treated by CHEC @ REAL Battersea, Mrs Hindmarsh said: “I have a phobia with eyes and could pass out at any time. I didn’t because everybody was so nice and kept me as calm as possible. I’m willing to put my trust in CHEC and I’m very happy with the whole journey. Thank you to everyone at CHEC.” 

Working in partnership with the NHS, CHEC is helping to reduce waiting times in Battersea and the surrounding areas by making essential treatments more accessible in the community. 

“The waiting time for cataract surgery in Battersea is currently 16.5 weeks. By choosing CHEC, patients can access treatment within just four weeks,” explains Sundeep Sagoo, Hospital Manager. 

“Patient choice and care are front and centre of our operations at CHEC, and we’ve developed a wide range of initiatives to make it easier for people to access the healthcare services they need. But the most rewarding part is seeing the impact our community-based healthcare has on people like Mrs Hindmarsh.”

CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, has been named a Great Place to Work for a second consecutive year.

Achieving an employee engagement level of 73% – up 4 percentage points from its 2022 certification – CHEC has been recognised for its fair treatment of people, the sense of pride amongst its team for the work it delivers, and its external reputation for excellence. 

For more than a decade, CHEC has been working in partnership with the NHS to increase patient choice and provide access to timely care and treatment locally. Through its 20+ community hospitals nationwide, CHEC makes specialist eyecare and gastroenterology services more readily accessible in local communities by offering patients greater flexibility and reduced waiting times. In 2022/23, CHEC consulted over 335,000 patients, with an average referral to treatment time of less than four weeks.

Earlier this year, CHEC launched an enhanced go-to-market strategy that will better align its service offerings and provision with the NHS’ evolving needs. Announced at its annual conference – CHEC Re:Set – the new strategy brings an improved business structure, bolstered communications, and a broader range of development opportunities for the CHEC team.

Amanda Williams, HR Director at CHEC, said of the news:

“Being recognised as one of the country’s best places to work for a second year in a row is a significant achievement for us, and is something we’ve worked hard towards. 

“Of note to the panel were our ability to make people of any gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation feel fairly treated, the positivity amongst our team, and the continuing sense that their work has special meaning and makes a difference – which gives them a feel-good factor about their contribution to the communities they work in.

“We will always put our people at the centre of what we do and how we run the business. By ensuring positive wellbeing in the workplace, we don’t only guarantee the happiness of our staff, but we also go on to have a more beneficial impact for the patients we serve.”

The definition of a referee is someone who can control 22 players for 90 minutes without needing to send anyone off – that’s according to Derek Wildeman, who refereed in local football leagues for more than 30 years and who recently came to CHEC for cataract surgery. 

With cricket his first passion as a youngster, Derek didn’t kick a ball until the age of 18. It was then that he was introduced to Rossendale United, based close-by to his Accrington home, and he fell in love with the game.

“I’ve always been obsessed with sports – in fact, when I met my wife, I made it clear the one condition of marriage was that she’d never see me much on a Saturday,” Derek said. “Around the time I began playing for Rossendale United, competing in local leagues every week, I started a new job as an engineer and played football every day on my lunch hour. Then when I was called up for National Service and joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at the age of 22, my Sergeant and Captain – who were also local lads – put me on the team for the unit.”

Derek completed his National Service 19 months later, but rather than continuing to play football, he moved into refereeing. 

“In those days, referees started off in the local leagues and progressed through different levels until you reached the Central League, which was one of the highest standards of football at the time,” he said. “I reached that point and refereed players including Jack Charlton, Colin Bell and Tommy Smith, working on matches for the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool. I also refereed 16 international games. At no point did I have to issue a red or yellow card. I did it for over 30 years and absolutely loved every second.”

A change in hobby… and health 

After his long stint of refereeing football matches, Derek moved into refereeing assessment to support the next generation of talent to come through the ranks. However, during the 2021/2022 season, he noticed a change in his eyesight that affected his ability to assess effectively. 

“My job is to look at how referees are managing players, and you have to be very specific in your feedback and the detail you provide to justify the mark you’re giving – people’s careers are at stake after all,” he said. “But I was struggling to read the names and numbers on the back of players’ shirts.

“Over time, my eyesight got gradually worse to the point I couldn’t see anything on the pitch from more than a few yards away. In the 2022/2023 season, I assessed just two matches and decided not to do it again until my eyesight was corrected.”

Seeking support

Derek – who has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren – visited a high street optician who informed him he had cataracts in both eyes, but said they weren’t yet severe enough to warrant surgery. 

“I knew they were wrong,” he said. “My eyesight was affecting other areas of my life by that point. I was struggling to drive without terrible glare from the streetlights, for example. And I could feel it getting worse.”

Keen for a second opinion, Derek contacted another optician who said they would make an immediate referral to CHEC, with a recommendation for cataract surgery. 

“I got a call within two days from a very polite member of the CHEC team who talked me through the next steps of the process,” Derek said. “They said I could have both done on the same day, or one followed by the other a couple of weeks later. I went for the second option, and had the appointment booked for within two weeks’ time. 

“I got the bus to CHEC in Accrington. The hospital was very close to my house, which was a relief. The surgery itself wasn’t painful at all, and I felt taken care of throughout. The nurses were very reassuring, they clearly explained the aftercare process, and said that I’d be contacted about the second procedure soon. Someone called me a couple of days later to get booked in, and the next surgery was completed shortly after.”

Transformative surgery

Almost immediately following his first operation, Derek noticed a significant improvement in his eyesight.

“I couldn’t believe the transformation within such a short space of time, specifically in terms of colours and brightness,” he said. “I had two sweaters that I thought were green before the surgery – after the procedure, I realised they were blue! Everything has been so much clearer, and it’s easier to notice finer details.”

Talking about his experience of being treated at CHEC, Derek highlighted the team’s ability to make him feel comfortable. 

“You can tell the team is made up of caring human beings,” he said. “Everyone addressed me in a very friendly manner, which put me at ease – that’s from the people on the switch board through to the nurses who saw me after my procedures. The whole process was very efficient and clear.”

A new quality of life

Though he’s decided he won’t return to assessing referees, Derek’s quality of life has improved so much since his cataract operation that he recommends it to friends all the time. 

“I volunteer as a driver for a local, weekly Alzheimer’s group, bringing members to and from our meetings. I tell everyone who mentions they have cataracts to get the surgery done if they can, because they won’t believe the difference it makes to their life. 

“Since the operation my glasses prescription has improved, and I find myself obsessed with reading things from as far away as possible – just because I can. At one point I couldn’t read the ticker tape along the bottom of Football Focus and Sky Sports – but now I can, so I have my love for football back again. 

“I feel brilliant and advise everyone with cataracts to get in touch with CHEC and have the procedure as soon as they can.”

Community healthcare provider restores sight for local residents in partnership with the NHS.

We have marked a clinical milestone after treating our first surgical eye patients at the recently opened Sheffield hospital. 

One of the first patients to benefit from CHEC’s community cataract procedures was Mr Jeremy Holmes. Aged 79, Mr Holmes was grateful to be referred to CHEC after waiting more than six months since his initial diagnosis. 

“Not being able to see properly has had a serious impact on my quality of life. I used to live a very active life and wouldn’t think twice about driving up to Cumbria to go salmon fishing – one of my biggest passions. Losing sight in both eyes has left me reliant on friends to take me places, and unable to go fishing independently. I can’t wait to get that independence and freedom back.” 

Accessing CHEC’s services in the community has expedited Mr Holme’s treatment, with the Home to Hospital™ pick up service being a key benefit: “My wife isn’t hugely confident at driving these days, so having CHEC take us door-to-door for the operation has made it much easier, and given us peace of mind.” 

Working in partnership with the NHS, we are helping to reduce waiting times in Sheffield and the surrounding areas by making essential treatments more accessible in the community. “By choosing CHEC, patients can typically access cataract surgery in under 4 weeks,” explains Christopher Randall, Hospital Manager. 

“Patient choice and care are front and centre of our operations at CHEC, and we’ve developed a wide range of initiatives to make it easier for people to access the healthcare services they need. But the most rewarding part is seeing the impact our community-based healthcare has on people like Mr Holmes.” 

Based in a new state-of the-art treatment centre at Sheffield Business Park, the community care facility started seeing patients mid-September and has already completed over 50 appointments. Alongside ophthalmology services, CHEC also provides gastroenterology services with a dedicated clinical team and on-site endoscopy suite.

Community healthcare provider restores sight for local residents in partnership with the NHS.

CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, has marked a clinical milestone after treating its first surgical eye patients at the recently opened Stockport Exchange site. 

One of the first patients to benefit from CHEC’s community cataract procedures was Mr Gordon Thompson, aged 76 from Knutsford. Following the cataract surgery on his left eye, Mr Thompson can’t wait to see better in the dark and regain independence by being able to drive his car. 

Mr Thompson said: “All went well. The service was really good, the staff were friendly and I even had a cup of tea and a biscuit.”

Working in partnership with the NHS, CHEC is helping to reduce waiting times in Stockport and the surrounding areas by making essential treatments more accessible in the community. 

“The waiting time for cataract surgery in Stockport is currently 7.9 weeks. By choosing CHEC, patients can access treatment within just four weeks,” explains Erin Broad, Hospital Manager. 

“Patient choice and care are front and centre of our operations at CHEC, and we’ve developed a wide range of initiatives to make it easier for people to access the healthcare services they need. But the most rewarding part is seeing the impact our community-based healthcare has on people like Mr Thompson.” 

The state-of-the-art community care facility was opened by Cllr Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing last month, and has already seen over 300 patients for diagnostic appointments. 

CHEC Sheffield aims to increase patient choice and maintain short waiting times.

CHEC, one of the UK’s first community-based providers of gastroenterology and endoscopy services, has announced its Sheffield hospital has been acknowledged as an accredited provider of gastroenterology services by South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB). 

Working in partnership with the NHS, the addition of CHEC as an accredited provider increases patient choice for people living in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. Already offering end to end ophthalmic services from its Sheffield hospital, the addition of gastroenterology and endoscopy strengthens CHEC’s position as a trusted provider of community healthcare.  

Based in a new state-of the-art centre at Sheffield Business Park, the community care facility has a dedicated clinical team and on-site endoscopy suite. Christopher Randall, Hospital Manager, explained: “It’s increasingly common practice for ophthalmology services to be delivered in the community, but gastroenterology and endoscopy is a much newer pathway. We’ve spearheaded the development of these much-needed services in the community and are looking forward to serving people living in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. 

“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.”

Access to CHEC’s state-of-the-art facilities allows GPs an additional referral pathway that will help maintain short waiting times and promptly diagnose patients who need access to gastrointestinal treatment. To assist with this, CHEC commits to assessing and treating patients within four weeks of initial referral and ensures that full patient reports are returned to GPs within two days of any given procedure or treatment.

Community healthcare provider marks major milestone for patient choice and equitable access.

CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, is celebrating this year’s World Sight Day (12th October 2023) after treating the 10,000th patient at its Blackpool hospital. 

Working in partnership with NHS England, CHEC Blackpool gives local residents increased choice and improved access to ophthalmology services in the community. Marion Hilton, aged 84 from Kirkham, went home with the title of 10,000th patient after having cataract surgery on her left eye. 

With a referral to treatment time of just eight days, Marion was extremely pleased with the quality of care delivered by CHEC Blackpool: “Everybody was so kind; the whole team are wonderful. Such a fantastic service and experience, I wasn’t afraid at all. I’ll be back for my second eye!”

Based in Avroe Crescent, off Squires Gate Lane, CHEC Blackpool opened its services to the local community and surrounding areas at the height of lockdown in 2020. Since then, thousands of patients have chosen CHEC Blackpool as their community eye hospital of choice. 

“World Sight Day is a stark reminder that we need to protect our eyesight and do everything we can to restore it for those who are struggling with visual impairments. Loss of sight really is life limiting, and we’re proud to help the NHS reduce waiting times so that people can access quality treatment when they need it,” explains Samantha Norton, Hospital Manager. 

“Our patients are at the heart of everything we do. And what a truly magical moment to be there when Marion became our 10,000th patient in just over three years. Thank you, Marion, and thank you to the whole CHEC team for everything you do, everyday!”

Headquartered in Preston, CHEC has more than 20 hospitals UK-wide, with a North-West stronghold through its Accrington, Blackpool and Preston hospitals.