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Annual conference provides springboard to launch enhanced go-to-market strategy.

CHEC has 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.

Hosted at the Belfry Hotel and Golf Resort, the conference was the ideal forum for CHEC to celebrate its continued growth before looking ahead to the future. In the last 18 months, CHEC has successfully increased its hospital sites from 10 to 21, with the most recent opening in Stockport and Sheffield earlier this year. Plans are already underway to launch new sites in Milton Keynes, Ilford and Warrington.

Across its ophthalmology and endoscopy services, CHEC consulted over 335,000 patients in 2022/23*, helping to reduce NHS waiting times by providing access to specialist care and treatments in the community.

To better align service provision with NHS and community needs, CHEC has restructured some of its teams, including the introduction of NHS Partnership Executives. This comes after the business bolstered its leadership with a series of new appointments including the promotion of David Morris to Director of Operations, Iwona Ngody to Director of Community Services, and Jose Bailey to Commercial Director.

Initially joining CHEC as Quality Coordinator five years ago, Jose has gained valuable experience across all operations and is excited for the company’s next stage of growth. “A lot has changed since I first joined – all of which is hugely positive. We’re aiming to set a new standard for community healthcare, and patient care and choice are front and centre of our strategy,” explains Jose.

Originally launched as Community Health Eye Care, the company later rebranded as CHEC to better reflect its expanding range of community healthcare services. Jose continues: “We’re one of the largest providers of community-based ophthalmology services in the UK. This year alone we’re 147% ahead of our treatment targets. But we recognise that to truly give patients choice – and support the NHS with reducing waiting times – there needs to be more community healthcare services available. That’s been a key driver behind the introduction of gastroenterology services, with endoscopy treatments and diagnostics now being offered at eight of our sites.”

While the Re:Set conference focused on driving forward enhancements and expanding CHEC’s community ophthalmology reach, it also reinforced the company’s commitment to raising industry standards through education and its CPD programme.

*CHEC Annual Quality Report, 2023

CHEC is proud to be delivering a dedicated ophthalmic clinic within the REAL Battersea clinic. The introduction of the new centre in London represents CHEC’s continued commitment to providing world-class healthcare directly to communities and tackle waiting lists nationally.

The new site, CHEC @ REAL Battersea, will focus on alleviating the ongoing pressure on NHS services, with ophthalmology facing the second highest backlogs nationwide. Earlier this year it was revealed that nearly one in four Londoners have experienced a loss of vision while waiting for treatment for an eye condition with the NHS.[1] A survey conducted by the Macular Society also found that a quarter of Londoners had experienced a delay waiting for an appointment or treatment, while 38 per cent felt their vision had declined as a result of long waits.[2] By contrast, CHEC offers high-quality ophthalmology services to patients within four weeks.

The Battersea centre will provide general ophthalmology, cataracts services, wet aged macular degeneration and YAG laser for patients. CHEC’s door to door patient pick up service will also be provided for patients local to the area.

The launch of the new centre in London demonstrates CHEC’s commitment to providing services to as many communities as possible, in an effort to support the NHS and its patients across the UK. The cutting-edge medical facilities, combined with expedited appointments and exceptional patient care, underscore CHEC’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services and making a positive impact in communities nationwide.

Jose Bailey, Commercial Director at CHEC, commented: “The opening of CHEC @ REAL Battersea extends our ophthalmic offering to London residents, building upon CHEC’s existing site at New Cross, Lewisham, which has seen great success in providing care to the local community. It is clear that London City requires more ophthalmology services, and it is our hope that we can play a vital role in easing the burden of long waiting times. This new centre aligns with our mission to reshape the healthcare landscape and contribute to the overall health and happiness of communities.

[1] https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/london-eye-patients-vision-long-nhs-waits-b1068913.html

[2] https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/london-eye-patients-vision-long-nhs-waits-b1068913.html

In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare services, CHEC are thrilled to announce the grand opening of not one, but two cutting-edge hospitals dedicated to providing first class ophthalmology and endoscopy services to patients within the NHS network. These state-of-the-art facilities represent CHEC’s continued commitment to providing world-class healthcare to the community.

The new hospitals will support in alleviating the ongoing pressure on NHS services, with ophthalmology facing the second highest backlogs nationwide. In Milton Keynes, ophthalmology waiting times for treatments have been estimated at 32 weeks, while the average waiting period in Ilford is 14 weeks.[1] By contrast, CHEC offer high-quality ophthalmology and endoscopy services to patients within 4 weeks.

The two new hospitals will provide ophthalmology and endoscopy services in the heart of the community. Comfortable waiting areas, modern treatment rooms, and a warm atmosphere ensure that patients feel at ease throughout their healthcare journey. Both centres are conveniently located to ensure easy accessibility for patients across the region. CHEC’s community door to door transport initiative ensures that these new centres are accessible for all, regardless of age or mobility.

The launch of the new centres reaffirms CHEC’s commitment to supporting the NHS and its patients across the UK. The cutting-edge medical facilities, combined with expedited appointments and exceptional patient care, underscore CHEC’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services and making a positive impact in communities nationwide.

Jose Bailey, Commercial Director at CHEC, commented: “Our centres in Ilford and Milton Keynes mark a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to elevate healthcare standards. By incorporating innovations, technology, highly skilled medical professionals, and a dedication to patient well-being, we aim to reshape the healthcare landscape and contribute to the overall health and happiness of communities.

These hospitals stand as a testament to what can be achieved when healthcare, innovation, and compassion converge; we delightedly look forward to welcoming patients.”

[1] https://www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk/east/milton-keynes/specialty/?sname=Ophthalmology

Consultant Ophthalmologist and CEO of CHEC, Imran Rahman, discusses the development of health tech and its potential to reduce human error and ease hospital waiting lists.

Recent years have seen the narrative around UK healthcare dominated by discussion of high demand and slow movement, with NHS waiting lists at an all-time peak of 7.22 million. Despite these problems, Britain possesses an important resource, key to rapidly advancing its healthcare offering: its dominance in the development of innovative health tech.

Through the increased use of technology, British healthcare has the potential to simultaneously improve its quality while streamlining services and cutting down on waiting lists. With investment in UK healthcare technology soaring over the past decade – growing nine-fold between 2016 and 2021 – Britain has developed into a leading nation in the global health tech revolution, a prominence which will be crucial in supporting the country’s healthcare services over the coming years.

Lending a robotic hand, or four…

Over the past century, medicine has witnessed an exponential progression in both its breadth and its sophistication; yet in spite of this rapid development, healthcare is far from immune to the risks of human error. The next step for medicine – and one which has already begun in earnest – is to develop technology which can significantly reduce and even eliminate the impact of human error and knock on delays or pressures.

Through ever-improving robotic technologies, medical professionals protect their patients from human fallibility. The Da Vinci System is one such example. The four-armed robot, specifically designed for medical use, has been employed by the NHS for over two decades; yet the past few years have witnessed an explosion in Da Vinci’s usage across a vast array of medical procedures and innovative surgeries. With the increased precision they offer, these “robotic surgeons” play a significant part in reducing human error while at the same time streamlining procedures to render them less invasive, minimising healing time and further potential costs to the NHS.

Beyond putting a barrier between patient care and human error, healthcare technologies can help surgeons hone their own skills, thereby improving their own accuracy. The use of virtual reality simulations to practise procedures provides doctors with the opportunity to perfect their technique and anticipate challenges, without risking a patient’s welfare. With investment in health tech soaring over recent years, the growing application of technologies such as Da Vinci and augmented reality will be the major factor in advancing the quality of UK healthcare into the future.

Cutting down on waiting lists

To have a tangible impact on reducing waiting lists, it is vital that British healthcare continues to advance and embrace cutting-edge technology. Alongside reducing human error, surgical robots such as Da Vinci have the capacity to minimise the risks of medical procedures – reducing the chance of complications and length of recovery time, and consequently freeing up hospital beds for other patients. Through technological progress, quality of care can go hand in hand with efficiency of service.

Moreover, technology can help to streamline processes across all aspects of healthcare. Indeed, since the COVID-19 pandemic, day-to-day healthcare has taken a clear step towards the digital, with over 54,500 healthcare and medical apps available on the Google Play Store by the end of 2022.

The function of such apps varies widely – from apps designed to help patients manage their health, to systems used by medical practices to schedule appointments and reduce the time spent on administration. Indeed, open-source artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, is now being employed by doctors and researchers to process huge amounts of previous medical data and thereby improve individual diagnoses.

With such a broad range of possibilities, these healthcare apps – such as CHEC’s own booking app – have the dual impact of reducing patient stress and increasing the efficiency of GPs, hospitals, pharmacies, and medical centres. While COVID-19 may have acted as an accelerant for the development of digital technologies, their applicability beyond the pandemic is becoming increasingly clear.

A digital future

British healthcare has all the ingredients to flourish in a technologically-driven future. From its tech triangle – embracing Oxford, Cambridge, and London – to the soaring investment channelled into healthtech innovation, the UK is in an excellent position to carry the standard into a new age for medicine.

The possibilities of health tech are endless. By facilitating new research, improving standards of medical practice, and expediting the patient experience, technology offers an answer to growing waiting lists currently experienced across the UK. What is key now is that healthcare providers embrace this opportunity, exploring the myriad ways that technology can be advanced in support of medicine and thereby ensuring a brighter future for healthcare in Britain.

https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/professional-support/health-services/2023/06/27/british-healthcare-has-all-the-ingredients-to-flourish-in-a-technologically-driven-future

Congratulations to Lauren and team at CHEC Newcastle Gateshead on reaching the remarkable milestone of their 1 year anniversary!

Throughout the past year, our dedicated staff have been going above and beyond in our commitment to providing outstanding eyecare and endoscopy services to the Gateshead community.

In the duration of 12 months, we have successfully treated a remarkable total of 5,349 patients, with 1,383 cataract surgeries.

This achievement fills us with great pride. Well done Team!

CHEC are proud to announce the installation of a groundbreaking new laser platform, the YAG Quantel Capsulo at its new Stockport Centre. The system provides pristine clarity of view into both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and will facilitate efficient and accurate capsulotomy and iridotomy treatments. The device will be included in all future sites launched by the provider.

As healthcare backlogs reach record highs and eyecare backlogs the second largest in the UK, CHEC has committed to tech-first innovation across the organisation, as part of its effort in streamlining treatment while maintaining the highest quality of patient care. By promoting efficiency and reducing the length of procedure and recovery times, new technologies play a major part in helping to cut down Britain’s healthcare waiting times.

Capsulo is a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, which simplifies the implementation of previous YAG laser models. The devise is fitted with a purpose-built slit lamp and controlled using touch-screen technology. Its small footprint ensures minimal space required for instillation. The model is designed and manufactured by the medical arm of laser technology expert, Lumibird. The device installed at the Stockport centre will be the second instance of the model in the UK, and the equipment will be rolled out across all future CHEC sites.

At a time when the Greater Manchester area faces healthcare waiting lists of 33-50 weeks, the presence of a YAG Quantel Capsulo at the Stockport site will help to ensure swift, high-quality treatment for the local community.

CHEC’s commitment to providing excellence of care was recognised earlier this year when its Stoke centre received an “Outstanding” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Jose Bailey, Commercial Director at CHEC, commented: “We are delighted to announce the installation of a new YAG Quantel Capsulo at our new Stockport site. As a local healthcare provider committed to supporting the work of the NHS, we are constantly looking for ways to develop and enhance our offering through new technologies. As we open the doors of our latest centre, we look forward to ushering in the future of eyecare and ensuring ongoing standards of care for the local community.”

A huge congratulations to Amisha, our Hospital Manager and team on CHEC Northampton’s 1 year anniversary.

Over the past year, our dedicated team of skilled ophthalmologists and staff have been committed to providing exceptional eye care to the Northampton community. As a business, we celebrate the significant milestone of treating our wonderful patients and the positive impact we have made on their vision and lives.

In the last 12 months, CHEC Northampton has treated 4294 patients, we are very proud of this great achievement.

We will continue to expand our range of services, improve accessibility, and strive to reach even more patients in need of exceptional eyecare, roll on the next 12 months.

In the past ten years, NHS waiting lists have jumped by nearly 300%. From 2.5 million in 2013, there are now roughly 7.2 million people waiting for hospital treatment in England.[1] More than that, the number of those waiting 18 weeks or more has mushroomed as the COVID-19 pandemic and regional inequalities exacerbate existing backlogs. To move forward in cutting down these backlogs, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to make the reduction waiting lists one of the five fundamental tenets of his government’s policy.[2]

There’s little doubt around the importance of tackling waiting lists. The question now is how this aim can be achieved. Naturally, there is no single solution to backlogs, and their reduction will come only through a complex and versatile approach; yet one core element of this approach must be reinforcement. Through partnership with community healthcare providers, such as eyecare provider CHEC, the NHS can begin to get ahead of waiting lists through the support of localised, quality services. With ophthalmology accounting for the country’s second highest level of backlogs, such community eyecare providers play a vital part in delivering ongoing services and working to treat the 628,500 currently waiting for eye care.

A helping hand

Community healthcare providers work in tandem with the NHS to ensure that backlogs don’t preclude patients from receiving prompt and comprehensive care. Partnered with the NHS, these localised health providers receive referrals from the health service and can thereby deliver targeted treatment to the individuals most in need while simultaneously tackling the broader backlog issue. Crucially, all of this is free of charge to the patient, meaning that anyone can access provisions regardless of their resources.

In particular, community healthcare provides a buttress for the NHS in treatments where waiting lists are high. As it stands, recent reports show that hundreds of patients have been left with permanent eye damage as a result of delays in eye care treatment.[3] Independent health care providers such as CHEC now carry out 38.6% of eye surgeries, up from 23.3% before the pandemic.[4] Moreover, independent providers have the capacity to respond to growing backlogs in other specialisms by diversifying their offerings. In 2022, for example, CHEC announced the launch of its endoscopy services to mitigate the decline in endoscopy procedures, which had taken place since 2020.

Addressing regional inequalities

A key benefit of community healthcare providers is their localised nature, making them ideal for tackling the regional disparities prevalent in the UK’s health service. This inequality, a significant aggravator for national backlogs, is evident from the fact that, while only 17% of patients in Northumbria have been waiting over 18 weeks to start treatment, that number is 60% in Birmingham, 20% above the UK’s average.[5]

Not only does CHEC provide eyecare treatment – a specialism which suffers from the second longest waiting list in the UK – but the eyecare provider also aims to direct provisions at those regions most troubled by backlogs. Last year, the organisation opened up a centre in Gateshead in reaction to the severe eyecare waiting lists seen in that area and in the nearby Newcastle, which at the time amounted to 14,000. While a nationwide acceleration of healthcare services would undoubtedly help towards reducing backlogs, it is the targeted distribution of key treatments that will be vital if Britain is to fully overcome our long waiting lists.

What CHEC has to offer

With NHS waiting lists growing rapidly, it’s easy to forget that these statistics are more than just numbers; yet recent reports of the sight loss caused by eyecare backlogs makes it abundantly clear that medical delays translate to very real impacts on individuals. With waiting times ranging from 1-4 weeks CHEC offers support for the NHS in reducing not only these quantitative backlogs, but also the effect they have on the quality of people’s lives.

CHEC, and other local healthcare providers like it, have the resources and capacity to provide reliable, quality healthcare when and where the NHS needs it most. Indeed, the quality of CHEC’s offering was put in the spotlight recently when the organisation’s centre in Stoke received an “outstanding” rating from the Care Quality Commission. By providing such care, community healthcare providers offer a vital component to the complex task of solving Britain’s healthcare crisis.

Read the article here.