A New Deal to Reduce NHS Waiting Lists Post Date : January 7, 2025 News 3 minutes read 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.