CHEC marks one year milestone with community celebration Staff and patients at CHEC Stevenage were celebrating this week after the community-based healthcare provider marked a whole year of working in partnership with the NHS to increase patient choice and reduce waiting times. Since first opening its doors in May 2023, CHEC Stevenage has provided ophthalmology and gastroenterology services to more than 6,300 patients and completed over 3000 cataract surgeries. The community hospital has also succeeded in consistently maintaining very low waiting times, with patients currently able to access most treatments within one week. “I didn’t know much about CHEC before, but now I know it very well, and I feel everyone should know about CHEC!” says Robert Thatcher, CHEC Stevenage patient. “The entire team is so kind and supportive, they really made me feel at ease. Absolutely fantastic service, and such friendly faces. I have lived in Stevenage for over 25 years and have been seen by many hospitals, but none of them compare to CHEC. They really show they care, and are not there to just get you in and out as quickly as possible, unlike a lot of places I have been treated at. Fantastic!” “It’s hard to believe it’s only a year ago that we welcomed our first patients to CHEC Stevenage,” comments Amy Notschild, Hospital Manager. “We’d like to thank the local community for choosing CHEC, trusting us to deliver the highest standards of care, and for joining us to celebrate our first anniversary this week!” Over the last 12 months, CHEC Stevenage 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. “Patient choice and reducing waiting times are at the forefront of the NHS agenda. Working in partnership with the NHS, we constantly look for new ways to make it easier for patients to exercise that choice and access the treatment they need,” continues Amy. CHEC has established a stronghold for community healthcare provision across the Home Counties, with hospitals in Basingstoke, Milton Keynes, and Watford. Throughout the UK, CHEC now has more than 25 hospitals. Sight is a part of life that’s regularly taken for granted. Jenny Woodhall, aged 58 from Bilborough, Nottingham, is on a mission to emphasise the importance of taking the time to appreciate the seemingly small but highly impactful things like vision, as when you’re faced with the end – that’s really all that matters. Whilst on the waiting list for cataract surgery, Jenny was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Thanks to very short waiting times at CHEC, and the community healthcare provider’s willingness to carry out an extremely rare ‘double operation,’ Jenny is now able to see clearly, and the time she has left is being spent making the most of life and enjoying precious moments with her family. A need for action Jenny was first diagnosed with cataracts in January 2020, but due to the coronavirus pandemic and its subsequent strain on the NHS, all appointments were delayed indefinitely or cancelled. She eventually secured a hospital appointment in December 2023, but on arrival learned she was to be seen for her diabetes, and that she wasn’t even on the waiting list for cataract treatment. At this time, the waiting list for NHS cataracts surgery was over two years. In August 2022, Jenny was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and was advised that she had approximately 12-13 months to live. Alongside fighting cancer, Jenny was also experiencing the early stages of sight loss due to her untreated cataracts. As Jenny’s vision continued to deteriorate, her quality of life became worse. She grew increasingly upset over losing the ability to see her family’s faces – particularly her husband of 32 years John, her three children, and her young grandchildren Brody, Brooklyn, and Rio, as clearly as she once could. Overcoming complex pathways In early 2024, Jenny visited her local opticians for routine eye testing. Her optician voiced concern over the severity of Jenny’s cataracts and revealed she was now blind in her left eye, but was unable to refer her to community providers due to catchment areas and complex referral pathways. Jenny became worried that a complete loss of vision would leave her unable to see her family’s faces again before she passed. At this point, Jenny had already surpassed her estimated life expectancy by over three months, so it was important for her to be treated as quickly as possible. The optician advised Jenny to seek help from her GP, resulting in lots of back and forth due to the complex nature of treatment pathways. “It was very confusing at times, I wasn’t sure whether I needed the GP or the optician to refer me, thankfully I finally got a breakthrough when the doctor could refer me to CHEC for the surgery.” Life changing treatment “I am incredibly grateful to Sharna for taking the time to get to know me,” explains Jenny. “She really took my story to heart and was passionate about getting me the best outcome possible.” On her first visit to CHEC Nottingham, Jenny met with Sharna Coleman, Optical Assistant, who subsequently shared the time pressure of treatment with colleagues. From here, Paul Briddon, Hospital Manager, and Ashley Kirk, Lead Theatre Practitioner, explored the potential to offer Jenny cataract surgery for both eyes. Ordinarily, CHEC conducts cataract surgery one eye at a time, leaving at least six weeks in between procedures. After thorough clinical assessment to determine if this was the right care for Jenny, CHEC scheduled Jenny for a double cataract surgery in one day. Jenny returned to CHEC Nottingham, and in less than a week since her first appointment, had successful eye surgery on both her left and right eye. Going above and beyond “Everyone at the hospital was so supportive,” explains Jenny. “Everything was explained very clearly, and Paul and Ashley were extremely professional and reassuring. All the staff at CHEC Nottingham rallied around me, as if I were one of their own, which made me feel really welcome and supported.” “The receptionists, Danielle and Emma, were brilliant,” Jenny continues. “It was lovely to have a chat and a giggle in the waiting room before my surgery. They really helped to calm my nerves.” Jenny benefitted from CHEC’s ‘Home to Hospital™’ service – a transportation initiative that offers patients free transport to and from eye care appointments and surgery, to ensure everyone can access the care they need. “Mick the driver was brilliant,” says Jenny. “Recently I’ve been unable to stand up on my own. Mick held me so I didn’t fall, walked me into the hospital, and made sure I was looked after once we got inside. He was fantastic.” On the day of her double surgery, Jenny was accompanied by her sister, Norma, who was extremely anxious and worried about the day ahead. Jenny revealed she was thankful to learn that staff at CHEC Nottingham reassured Norma and kept her informed every step of the way – when surgery on the first eye had started and finished, when surgery on the second eye had started and finished, and everything in between. “The whole family were really worried about me on surgery day,” recounts Jenny. “I am really thankful that CHEC took looking after Norma, and my family back home that she was updating, as seriously as looking after me. It’s been a tough time for us all, and we will forever be grateful for their kindness.” The most magical thing Now, less than one month after first contacting CHEC, Jenny has completely regained vision in her right eye, and the quality of her vision is better than ever before. Jenny’s left eye is coming along nicely, and her vision is getting clearer day by day. After being deemed clinically blind in this eye by her optician, this is something Jenny is extremely thankful for. Jenny does not know how long she has left to live, and feels that every extra day is a true blessing. After previously being unable to see her own feet, Jenny is overjoyed that she is able to see again, and believes it to be ‘the most magical thing’. “Shortly after my treatment I was giving my grandson Rio a bath. The sun shone through the window and reflected in his big brown eyes,” recalls Jenny. “It was a really beautiful and moving moment. I thought to myself, I am so lucky I can see his eyes and smile in the sunlight. I felt really emotional, as I would have missed out on precious moments like this if it wasn’t for CHEC.“ “Not many people realise you have a choice. You don’t have to sit on a waiting list – look at what treatments you can access in the community, through providers like CHEC who work in partnership with the NHS. Being able to see again has made such a difference to my life, and I want everyone to be able to access treatment quickly, and feel the same joy I do now that I have my vision back.” A celebration of life In August 2022, doctors gave Jenny a life expectancy of 12-13 months. She has surpassed all expectations and is ‘still going strong’. Jenny is on a mission to truly celebrate life, and wants to encourage others to do the same. Jenny didn’t realise how much sight impacted her quality of life until it started to go. Now, she sees her family every morning, and is beyond grateful for that ‘simple’ pleasure. “If I could leave everyone with one bit of advice, it would be to never forget the importance of finding joy in the small things, like spending time with family and friends, and being able to see their faces. “Nobody knows how long they have left in this life. I’m a huge believer in que sera, sera – whatever will be, will be. But however long I have left, CHEC have made sure I can see the best of it, until the very end.” CHEC, one of the largest community-based providers of NHS ophthalmology services in the UK, has stepped up its commitment to upskilling the industry, with the launch of a dedicated independent prescribing course clinical placement. Optometrists who have been qualified for more than two years and opt to undertake an independent prescribing course can now utilise CHEC’s national footprint of hospitals and clinics to complete the compulsory placement required to gain their qualification. During the on-site placement with CHEC, trainees will 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. They’ll achieve this by observing clinical interactions between patients and prescribing ophthalmologists, taking part in the examination and assessment of patients with a variety of conditions, and by liaising with prescribing ophthalmologists on patients’ clinical cases. CHEC’s Education Strategy, centres on establishing and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders and education establishments, to deliver upskilling opportunities for healthcare professionals within the communities it serves. In the last 18 months, CHEC has delivered 40 CPD events to optometry professionals, and is in the process of developing the CHEC Academy, to upskill new entrants to the field, optimise clinical skill sets, and ensure the industry as a whole never suffers a skills shortage. Imran Rahman CEO and founder of CHEC said: “This feels like a really important moment for CHEC. To be stepping up our provision of skill-building opportunities with the launch of our independent prescribing course placement, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring optometrists across the country have access to the key skills and experiences they need to develop in their profession, and we’re pleased to be playing such a key role in that.” “As a modern healthcare provider, we have a duty to develop and offer new skills to our valued optometric partners.. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to ensure we’re at the centre of developing optometry talent across the industry and across the UK, and this significant milestone feels like just the beginning of what’s to come.” Those interested in conducting a placement with CHEC can register for more information here. CHEC Stevenage, a community-based hospital, 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 Stevenage hospital has been acknowledged as an accredited provider of gastroenterology services by Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB. Working in partnership with the NHS, the addition of CHEC as an accredited provider increases patient choice for people living in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. Already offering end to end ophthalmic services from its Stevenage 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, the community care facility has a dedicated clinical team and on-site endoscopy suite. Amy Notschild, 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 Stevenage 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. CHEC Ilford, a community-based hospital, 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 Ilford hospital has been acknowledged as an accredited provider of gastroenterology services by North East London ICB. Working in partnership with the NHS, the addition of CHEC as an accredited provider increases patient choice for people living in Ilford and the surrounding areas. Already offering end to end ophthalmic services from its Ilford 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 Ilford Hill, the community care facility has a dedicated clinical team and on-site endoscopy suite. Samea Ahsan, 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 Ilford 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. Staff and patients at CHEC Worcester were celebrating this week after the community-based healthcare provider marked a whole year of working in partnership with the NHS to increase patient choice and reduce waiting times. Since first opening its doors at St. Martin’s Quarter in April 2023, CHEC Worcester has provided ophthalmology and gastroenterology services to more than 7,900 patients and completed over 1,200 cataract surgeries. The community hospital has also succeeded in consistently maintaining very low waiting times, with patients currently able to access treatment in up to one week. “It’s hard to believe it’s only a year ago that we welcomed our first patients to CHEC Worcester,” comments Kathryn Irving, Hospital Manager. “We’d like to thank the local community for choosing CHEC, trusting us to deliver the highest standards of care, and for joining us to celebrate our first anniversary this week!” Over the last 12 months, CHEC Worcester 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. “Patient choice and reducing waiting times are at the forefront of the NHS agenda. Working in partnership with the NHS, we constantly look for new ways to make it easier for patients to exercise that choice and access the treatment they need,” continues Kathryn. CHEC has established a stronghold for community healthcare provision across the West Midlands region, with hospitals in Coventry and Stoke, and a new site confirmed to open in Kings Norton. Throughout the UK, CHEC now has more than 20 hospitals. CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, has bolstered its online presence with a new website that is designed to meet patient needs, improve user experience and present expanded service offerings. The recently launched website has introduced accessibility features to ensure anyone with eyesight conditions can easily navigate content and access the information they need. Enhancements include advanced font functionality to adjust the size of on-screen text and improved contrast sensitivity. Quick links and enhanced search functions have also been embedded, making it easier for all users to navigate the online hub. The community healthcare provider has also facilitated two way communication with patients, by enabling feedback to be shared through the site. For ophthalmology professionals, CHEC has simplified access to resources such as online and in person CPD training events, while all referral pathways can now be accessed directly from the homepage. To better reflect the expanded services available, the new website has a dedicated area for gastroenterology, offering patients and professionals comprehensive information about available treatments and procedures. “CHEC has always centred on community, and as we continue to invest in expansion, patient care remains at the heart of everything we do,” explains Jose Bailey, CHEC Chief Commercial Officer. “It was crucial for us to ensure the new website not only reflects our growth as a business, but is functional and accessible for those who need us most.” CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, was celebrating earlier this month after treating the 3,000th patient at its Preston hospital, just three years after opening its doors. Working in partnership with NHS England, CHEC Preston gives local residents increased choice and improved access to ophthalmology services in the community. Julie Jemmett from Chorley went home with the title of 3,000th patient after having cataract surgery with CHEC. Based in Broughton Business Park, Fulwood, CHEC Preston opened its services to the local community and surrounding areas in 2021. Since then, thousands of patients have chosen CHEC Preston as their community eye hospital of choice. Antonia Fox, Hospital Manager, said: “Our patients are at the heart of everything we do. And what a truly magical moment to be there when Julie became our 3,000th patient in just over three years. Thank you, Julie, 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 Preston, Blackpool and Accrington hospitals.