At CHEC, we understand the impact that psoriasis can have on daily life. This dedicated page aims to provide you with essential information about psoriasis. Understanding Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing cells to build up rapidly on the skin’s surface. This buildup results in thick, red patches with silvery scales, which can be itchy, painful, and cause significant discomfort. While there’s no cure for psoriasis, various treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. As a provider of dermatology services, CHEC offers patients access to timely care and treatment for psoriasis. This can include a range of therapies, from topical treatments like corticosteroid creams and vitamin D analogues, to light therapy (phototherapy), and in more severe cases, systemic medications. By working in partnership with the NHS, CHEC strives to reduce waiting times and ensure patients receive effective, personalised care to manage their psoriasis and improve their skin health. Prevalence and Treatment Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting roughly 2-3% of the global population, causing skin cells to rapidly build up, resulting in red, scaly patches that can be itchy and painful. While there’s no cure, treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These range from topical creams and ointments, including corticosteroids and vitamin D analogy, to phototherapy utilising ultraviolet light. For moderate to severe cases, systemic medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologic drugs targeting the immune system are employed. Lifestyle adjustments, such as stress management and avoiding triggers like certain medications or infections, also play a significant role in minimising flare-ups. NHS Treatment CHEC is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals suffering from Psoriasis within the NHS framework. CHEC aim to provide accessible and timely psoriasis treatment within community settings. This involves offering dermatology services that reduce patient waiting times, ensuring individuals can receive care closer to home. CHEC’s approach includes delivering a range of treatments, such as topical therapies and, where appropriate, pathways to phototherapy, within our clinics. By collaborating with NHS trusts, CHEC contributes to increasing patient choice and improving access to essential dermatology services, ultimately working to enhance the quality of life for those living with psoriasis. What to expect when visiting a CHEC Hospital: Further Information Patient Testimonials Exquisite and exemplary cataract customer service from booking to surgery follow-up appointments. The staff throughout both procedures have been extremely supportive, professional, and compassionate. Keith R Whitburn The nurse clearly explained what checks she was about to carry out and made me feel relaxed during the process. Trevor Wood I was terrified of undergoing the procedure, but the Endoscopist and the nurses present were wonderful and made an uncomfortable procedure as pleasant as possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who were present. Gayle Taylor Fantastic staff from entering the building to leaving. Everybody was friendly, confident and couldn't have asked for anymore from them. A genuine credit to the NHS. Gareth The service and treatment were outstanding, with no long waiting time for an appointment. Following my consultation, I was given an appointment the next day to have my cataract removed. What a great service. John Elliott It was a very quick process from the consultation to the procedure. Very friendly and helpful staff. Helen C My 2nd cataract surgery was, in my opinion, a superb example of patient care. My surgeon and all the other staff were great ambassadors for CHEC. John Dunbavand I just had my cataract surgery at CHEC. Despite my nerves, the staff were reassuring and made me feel comfortable. The surgery was quick, I was kept informed at every stage which was great. I cannot recommend CHEC highly enough. Gill As soon as I arrived, I was made to feel at ease. All staff were friendly but professional, they couldn’t have been any better. I now have no fear in returning to continue my treatment. Linda S This was my first visit to CHEC, the Reception staff were extremely helpful and polite. All the other staff were very pleasant and made you feel welcome to be there, credit to you all. Linda James Welcoming, friendly, attentive, efficient, and above all, patient. Having my eyes tested at this practice provided excellent service at a time when one might wonder why these tests are necessary. Thanks to the staff I met today. Kevin Johnson The staff at Ilford were excellent. The nurses explained my procedure step by step, and when I met with the doctor, they were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. Thank you so much. Barbara Murphy The staff are all very friendly, very kind and very smiley. I had a good experience, and I would definitely recommend Ilford practice to friends and family. Raahim I had my second cataract procedure at CHEC in Blackpool today. Once again l was impressed by the kindness, helpfulness, good humour, and professionalism of everybody who works there. Thank you. Graham Jones I had a laser capsulotomy treatment in Stevenage on Monday 26th February. I was in and out of the treatment centre in under 10 minutes. All instructions were easy to follow with astonishing results. Well-done and thank you. S Frost The staff were brilliant at each stage which made the entire process calming, from consultation through to the surgery. The receptionists were fantastic. Kim I found the whole process to be highly professional and competent and would therefore recommend this organisation without reservation to anyone who needs cataract surgery. Nigel Morgan I was made to feel relaxed from the moment we arrived by all the amazing staff. I wish other medical institutions were like this. Thank you. K.R. All the staff were attentive, polite and friendly. They listened to my individual needs and took great care of me. Mary Dyas Really quick referral and appointment at CHEC Stockport. Lovely staff. Efficient and timely appropriate medical care. Responsive follow up. Premises are really clean and a pleasant experience at a worrying time of a health issue involving eyesight. Excellent care thank you! Richard I am very pleased with the service at CHEC, it is absolutely first-class. From the receptionists, the way I was treated and having the operation done was good. Since having the operation my vision has been very good. Anonymous The whole process has been very fast and exceeded my expectations. The staff are all very friendly and professional. I am very pleased with CHEC Northampton. Anonymous I’m amazed by the quick, efficient service and ecstatic about the results. I now see car number plates, road signs, and TV text bright and clearly, with everything appearing detailed. This is the best birthday present ever. Thank you so much, please don’t change a thing. Marian Curran