It’s your body’s largest organ and works hard every day to protect you. Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple guide from CHEC will give you the basics for keeping your skin happy and healthy. The Basics to Skincare: Think of your basic skincare routine as a simple daily ritual. It doesn’t need to involve a million products! Here are the key things to focus on: Cleanse: Gently washing your face (and body) removes dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Use a mild cleanser that suits your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive). Wash your face twice a day – morning and night. Moisturise: Even if you have oily skin, moisturising is important! It helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents it from overproducing oil to compensate for dryness. Choose a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type. Protect: This is arguably the most important step! Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Things to Keep an Eye On Your skin can tell you a lot about your overall health. It’s important to pay attention to any changes or new developments. Here are some things to look out for: Changes in Moles: Regularly check your moles for any changes in size, shape, colour, or texture. Look for moles that are asymmetrical (not the same on both sides), have irregular borders, have multiple colours, are larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), or are evolving (changing). These could be signs of skin cancer and should be checked by a healthcare professional. Remember the ABCDEs of moles: Asymmetry When examining moles, asymmetry is a critical characteristic to observe. A benign, or non-cancerous, mole typically exhibits symmetry, meaning if you were to draw an imaginary line down the middle, both halves would appear relatively identical. Conversely, an asymmetrical mole, where one half doesn’t mirror the other, raises concern. This irregularity in shape can be an early warning sign of melanoma, a potentially dangerous form of skin cancer. Therefore, paying close attention to the symmetry of moles during self-exams and professional skin checks is essential for early detection and timely intervention. Border irregularity When evaluating moles for potential signs of melanoma, border irregularity is a critical characteristic to observe. Healthy moles typically exhibit smooth, even borders, whereas suspicious moles may display ragged, notched, blurred, or indistinct edges. This irregularity signifies uncontrolled growth, a hallmark of melanoma, where the mole’s cells invade surrounding tissues in an uneven pattern. Therefore, any mole with an irregular border should be promptly assessed by a dermatologist to determine if further evaluation or a biopsy is necessary. Colour changes Changes in a mole’s colour are a significant indicator that it warrants closer inspection. While moles naturally vary in shade, from tan to dark brown, any noticeable shift, especially the appearance of multiple colours or a darkening of the mole, should raise concern. Specifically, the presence of black, blue, red, or white within a mole, or an uneven distribution of colour, can be a warning sign of melanoma. It’s crucial to observe if a mole’s colour becomes inconsistent, or if there’s a spreading of pigment into the surrounding skin. These colour changes, when coupled with other factors like irregular borders or increased diameter, necessitate prompt evaluation by a dermatologist. Diameter (larger than 6mm) A mole with a diameter larger than 6 millimetres (about the size of a pencil eraser) should raise concern and warrant professional medical evaluation. While not all large moles are cancerous, this size is a recognised “D” in the ABCDEs of melanoma detection (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter, and Evolving). Moles exceeding this diameter have a statistically higher risk of being or developing into melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Therefore, any mole exhibiting this characteristic should be promptly assessed by a dermatologist to determine its nature and ensure appropriate management. Evolving (changing) When monitoring moles, “evolving” is a critical term, signifying any noticeable change in a mole’s characteristics. This includes alterations in size, shape, colour, or the development of new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting. While moles can naturally change slightly over time due to factors like hormonal shifts or sun exposure, rapid or significant evolution warrants immediate attention. Because changes can be an early indicator of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it is important to be vigilant, and to seek professional medical advice should any mole present signs of evolving. New or Unusual Spots or Bumps Notice any new spots, bumps, or patches that are itchy, painful, bleeding, or don’t go away? These could be signs of various skin conditions and should be checked. Persistent Rashes Rashes that are red, itchy, or painful and don’t improve within a few days could indicate an allergic reaction, infection, or another skin condition. Dry, Flaky, or Cracked Skin While sometimes just a sign of dry weather, severe or persistent dryness, flakiness, or cracking could indicate an underlying issue. Changes in Skin Colour Any sudden or unusual changes in skin colour, such as yellowing (jaundice), could be a sign of a health problem and should be investigated. When Should You See a Healthcare Professional? Don’t hesitate to seek advice from a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional if you notice any of the following: Any suspicious changes in moles or new skin growths. As mentioned above, this is crucial for early detection of skin cancer. A rash that is spreading rapidly, is very painful, or is accompanied by fever. These could be signs of a more serious infection or allergic reaction. Severe or persistent itching that is interfering with your daily life. Skin infections that don’t improve with home care. Signs of infection can include redness, swelling, pus, and warmth. Any skin condition that is causing you significant discomfort or distress. Taking Care of Your Skin is an Investment in Your Health: By following these simple tips and being aware of any changes in your skin, you can help keep it healthy and catch potential problems early. Remember, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. They are there to help! For more information and resources on skincare, please visit our dermatology page. You may also be interested in…Spring into Clear Vision: Protecting Your Eyes This Spring Spring is a time of renewal and vibrancy, but it also brings unique challenges for our eyes. As we shed the winter layers and embrace the outdoors, it’s…Read more5 Simple Ways to Improve your Diet A balanced diet is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. By prioritising nutritious foods, we can significantly improve our overall well-being. 1. Keep the all-important skin We’ve all grown…Read more CHEC, a healthcare provider delivering specialist ophthalmology services in partnership with the NHS, has completed the roll out of its community-based clinic provision with the opening of a fourth facility in Basingstoke. Since opening its doors, CHEC Basingstoke has been undertaking a project to open ‘spoke’ clinics across the region. Spokes act as extensions of the hospital’s offering, available in community settings including GP practices. CHEC says this unique operating model increases equity of access to specialist healthcare for people who struggle to travel to the hospital site, and relieves local waiting lists for outpatient, elective and diagnostic services. CHEC’s fourth spoke in Basingstoke has now opened at The Cambridge Practice, Aldershot, completing the roll out. Since September 2024, clinics have also become available at Park Surgery in Eastleigh, Pinehill Surgery in Bordon, and Andover Medical Centre in Andover. Julie Collins, Hospital Manager for CHEC Basingstoke said: “Since opening our doors, CHEC Basingstoke has completed over 57,800 consultations and carried out over 3,900 cataract surgeries, but we know not everybody feels able to visit the hospital. This could be due to transport or mobility issues, time constraints with work, or simply the need to feel comfortable in more familiar surroundings. “That’s why our community clinics – or our ‘spokes’ – are so important. They break down barriers and make it easier than ever for us to complete the healthcare journeys our patients are taking, speeding up the process and unlocking extra resources in local NHS services, too. “Now we have four community clinics up and running across Basingstoke, we look forward to seeing the invaluable difference we can make in the region.” In 2023/24, CHEC treated more than 372,000 ophthalmology patients with an average wait time of less than four weeks. CHEC hospitals span the country’s major towns and cities, and each hospital is supported by a minimum of three community clinics, placed in more remote locations, in line with where patients say access to NHS treatment is particularly challenging. To learn more about accessing the ophthalmology treatments CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk CHEC supports community health and wellbeing beyond the clinic with local giving. CHEC are proud to reinforce our commitment to care in the community by donating £1,000 to OPAL, a Leeds based charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of people aged 60 and over. CHEC Leeds, based in West Park, donated vital funds to help ensure OPAL can continue supporting older people in the community and maintain its beloved Welcome In Community Centre. CHEC’s contribution reflects its ethos of care in the community, with both organisations aligned on the mission to provide meaningful support to local residents. Founded in 2002, OPAL works to reduce isolation and loneliness in the LS16 area, currently supporting over 760 members with the help of more than 100 volunteers. The charity works to improve quality of life by providing opportunities for social, health, and wellbeing activities such as exercise classes, social groups, and luncheon clubs. Finance streams are increasingly challenging for OPAL, with statutory funding set to decrease and competition for grants increasing in recent years. CHEC’s donation will provide much-needed support, helping the charity to continue delivering provisions that meet community needs. “I am incredibly grateful to CHEC for the generous donation. Our work changes the lives of older people, reducing loneliness and improving their quality of life,” explains Ailsa Rhodes MBE, CEO of OPAL. “Like most charities, we are facing very challenging times. We rely on the goodwill of others and really appreciate CHEC choosing to support us. This contribution will help us continue making a difference.” “CHEC Leeds is incredibly proud to support OPAL. OPAL’s work is vital to our community, providing essential support to those who need it most. We believe in strengthening the fabric of our local area, and OPAL does just that,” says Eleanor Rushforth, Hospital Manager. “Just like OPAL, we’re here to serve the people of Leeds and are dedicated to making a difference. Since opening our doors in September 2024, it’s become clear there was a real need for accessible, high-quality eye care in the Leeds community. CHEC Leeds has been delivering essential eye surgeries in four weeks or less, improving the lives of local people and contributing to the wider community.” To learn more about OPAL and how it enhances the lives of people aged 60 and over, please visit: https://opal-project.org.uk/ To learn more about the community healthcare services CHEC Leeds provides to local residents, please visit: https://chec.uk/location/leeds/ What a fantastic weekend it was at 100% Optical! The CHEC team was absolutely thrilled to connect with so many familiar faces and welcome a host of new ones to our stand. It was a whirlwind of engaging conversations, shared smiles, and a real buzz of excitement. Our stand was a hive of activity, and we were delighted to see so many people drawn in by our interactive experiences. We aimed to create a fun and informative atmosphere, and it’s safe to say we achieved just that! The cataract surgery activity proved incredibly popular, giving delegates the opportunity to complete a capsulorhexis, the surgical technique used to create a window in the anterior capsule wall of the lens of the eye to aid cataract removal. Hosted by clinicians from CHEC’s UK-wide surgical team, Dr Moemen Elnawawy and Juan Alberto Lopez Ulloa. Our chocolate selfie machine was a delightful hit, capturing countless smiling faces and creating sweet memories. And of course, who could resist a warm cup of free coffee on a busy exhibition day? A highlight of our weekend was undoubtedly welcoming students from across the country and provide them with their very first experience of eye surgery, guided by our expert ophthalmologist, Moemen. Witnessing their enthusiasm and curiosity was truly inspiring, and we hope this experience ignited a passion for ophthalmology in these future healthcare professionals. Olivia, a student of Optometry at the University of Hertfordshire said: “I’ve never tried anything like this before, and to be able to practice here with a CHEC Surgeon is really amazing!” Jose Bailey, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Over the last 12 months, we continued to invest in the expansion of our hospital sites and further built on our ongoing success in training and professional development. 100% Optical was the perfect industry platform to share our latest updates as well as host practical experiences, and for delegates to get hands-on themselves. It was excellent to see optometry students share their ambitions and try their hand at cataract surgery with our Cataract Dry Lab. It was also the ideal opportunity for us to engage with industry peers about what we were collectively doing to improve eye care for our patients, which had, and always will have been, our number one priority.” The energy at our stand was infectious, with laughter and lively discussions filling the air. We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback we received, and it was a pleasure to connect with so many passionate individuals who share our dedication to eye care. Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit our stand. Your enthusiasm and engagement made our weekend at 100% Optical an unforgettable experience. We look forward to seeing you all again soon! Learn about our upcoming events If you’re considering a career in healthcare, or perhaps looking for a fresh start, I wanted to share why I believe CHEC is a fantastic place to grow and thrive. As Chief Nurse, I’ve seen firsthand the unique opportunities we offer, especially for those new to the field. One of the things that really sets CHEC apart is our size. Many of our hospitals operate with smaller teams – sometimes as few as 15 people. This creates a really special, collaborative environment. You’ll quickly feel like you’re part of a close-knit family, where your contributions are genuinely valued. You won’t just be a number here; you’ll be an integral part of our team. And because we’re growing and evolving, you’ll have the chance to be part of real change. You can help shape the future of CHEC and directly impact how we develop. We’re not a big, faceless corporation; we’re a dynamic organisation where your voice matters. You can see your ideas come to life and know that you’ve made a difference. My vision for CHEC is simple: to continue delivering high-quality, local healthcare to people in their communities. We want to make accessing healthcare easy and convenient for our patients, while ensuring they receive the safest and most effective treatment possible. And we believe that our patients should be involved in shaping our services for the future. As Chief Nurse, my top priorities are to lead our teams to deliver high quality, safe patient care on this exciting journey of growth and development. Healthcare is never static; it’s constantly evolving, and we need to evolve with it. Supporting our people is paramount. We’re committed to providing the support and strong leadership our teams need to succeed. We want to empower you to deliver the highest quality services to our patients. If you’re looking for a place where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference, CHEC could be the perfect fit. We offer opportunities for development, a supportive team environment, and the chance to be part of something special. I encourage you to explore our career opportunities and see if CHEC is the right place for you. We’re looking for passionate, dedicated individuals who share our commitment to providing exceptional patient care. We look forward to welcoming you to the CHEC family! Alison Fitzsimons, Chief Nurse, CHEC ‘Patient Focused, Responsive and Considerate Care’ Founded in 2012, CHEC is one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare. 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 our 25+ community hospitals nationwide, CHEC makes specialist eyecare and endoscopy services more readily accessible in local communities by offering patients greater flexibility and reduced waiting times. We work with thousands of Optometrists and GPs to deliver our shared care partnership model. As a specialist provider of community ophthalmology and gastroenterology, we are pleased to have built a reputation of high quality, patient-focused care that ensures we always remain responsive and considerate to the needs of our patients. This model is underpinned by our dedicated clinical and non-clinical teams across the country who continue to serve our patients by providing excellent end to end care for every eye condition, as well as supporting the NHS. We consider this one of our USPs, setting us apart from other independent sector providers as we strive to work in partnership with providers to improve services for all. Our vision is simple: To make healthcare more readily available and accessible throughout local communities by offering patients greater choice, flexibility and reduced waiting times. CHEC is committed to upholding standards in compliance with our Business Management System as evidenced within our ISMS and QMS Policy Statement which can be made available upon request. 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 CHEC has attained the Great Place to Work® Certification following its entry in the Best Workplace™ Trust Survey. The Best Workplace™ Trust Survey is the world’s largest study of workplace excellence and people management practices. Companies that enter the Best Workplace™ programme become eligible to attain the Great Place to Work® Certification, as well as potentially other Best Workplaces™ Lists. The Certification™ is based on positive employee feedback through surveys and a company culture audit. Only the most trustworthy companies are Certified™, and it provides a fantastic opportunity for companies to earn recognition. Amanda Williams, HR Director commented on the certification, “This is the first time CHEC has chosen to enter the Best Workplace™ Trust Survey and we are absolutely delighted that we have achieved the certification of being a Great Place to Work. “Taking part gives CHEC the opportunity to be publicly recognised as one of the Best Workplaces™ nationally and globally. As a business we will continue to maintain the level of engagement achieved and identify opportunities to further improve our employee engagement agenda.” This certification is the latest of CHEC’s recent successes, following being shortlisted as a finalist for the upcoming Tomorrow’s Care 2023 Awards, and winning ‘Most Engaging Stand’ at this year’s 100% Optical event. CHEC has announced the opening of a new treatment centre in Accrington, Lancashire. Amid rising NHS waiting lists, the centre will become an important channel for easing the backlog on elective eye care through its provision of high-quality ophthalmological treatment to the local community. The Accrington site is the latest in a run of CHEC treatment centres recently launched across the North West, including sites in Preston and Blackpool. This North Westerly expansion – part of a broader rollout of new centres across the country – will offer vital help to those communities in Lancashire and South Cumbria which are experiencing particularly severe NHS backlogs. Commenting on the new centre, Jon Dore said: “With NHS backlogs continuing to rise, the need to support the NHS in reducing wait times is clear. Our centre in Accrington will offer the NHS vital support in reducing these backlogs and ensuring that patients receive timely high-quality care. “With patient experience at the heart of all we do, we look forward to providing vital ophthalmology and endoscopy services for the local Accrington community.” Before patients begin to arrive at the centre in October, CHEC will host two CPD events to introduce the new site and showcase the support it will offer to the local community. One event will be held online and the other in-person. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend a CPD seminar, enabling optometrists to gain valuable CPD points.