Owen, an enthusiastic amateur botanist and dedicated charity shop volunteer, approached CHEC Blackpool seeking relief from cataracts that were significantly impacting his active lifestyle. His experience highlights the exceptional clinical care and patient-centred approach offered at CHEC. The Positive Impact of CHEC’s Care Owen described his cataract surgery as “excellent,” a testament to the skill and expertise of the CHEC Blackpool surgical team. He felt “well supported” throughout the process, with clinicians who “listened and explained clearly,” ensuring he understood every step. The procedure was made as “stress-free as possible,” a crucial factor for any patient undergoing surgery. Owen also appreciated the efficient appointment procedure, which offered a variety of time options and eliminated frustrating waiting times. The impact of the successful surgery was immediately apparent. Owen, a passionate botanist, was able to return to his nature recording activities just a few weeks after surgery, even discovering a species previously unrecorded in his local area. At the charity shop where he volunteers, he regained the dexterity needed to repair dozens of watches, a task requiring precise vision. He described his vision improvement as “magnificent”, highlighting the life-changing results of the procedure. Gratitude for Excellent Care Having lived and travelled extensively in countries with limited healthcare resources, Owen expressed immense gratitude for the “excellent and prompt care” he received at CHEC Blackpool, saying he was “VERY impressed” with the quality of service. 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’s new Canterbury site set to reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice CHEC has confirmed it will be opening a new hospital in Canterbury. Based in central Canterbury, the conveniently located facility will help reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice by providing access to ophthalmology, ENT, and dermatology services in the community. The new hospital will be located at The Riverside in Canterbury city centre. With free underground parking and excellent public transport links, CHEC is currently fitting out its new building into a state-of-the-art clinical facility complete with one ophthalmology theatre. Working with the NHS, CHEC has more than 30 community hospitals and 90 community clinics nationwide. The addition of CHEC in Canterbury strengthens its existing Southern England stronghold, which already includes hospitals throughout Berkshire, London and Hertfordshire. “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,” explains Jose Bailey, Chief Commercial Officer at CHEC. “For well over a decade, we’ve been trusted by the NHS to deliver healthcare services free of charge, and we can’t wait to open our doors and become part of the Canterbury community. In the meantime, we’d welcome any residents to get in touch and learn more about how we work with the NHS to make much-needed treatments more readily accessible.” Upon opening, treatments will be within four weeks of receipt of referral. To register your interest in the services we will provide at our Canterbury site, please contact engagement@chec.uk. CHEC’s new Macclesfield site set to reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, has confirmed it will be opening a new hospital in Macclesfield. Based in Macclesfield town centre, the conveniently located facility will help reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice by providing access to ophthalmology and ENT services in the community. CHEC is currently fitting out the 8,102 square foot building into a state-of-the-art clinical facility complete. The new hospital also has nearby parking and excellent transport links, with Macclesfield bus and train stations located within walking distance. Working with the NHS, CHEC has more than 30 community hospitals and 90 community clinics nationwide. The addition of CHEC Macclesfield strengthens its existing North West England stronghold which already includes Warrington, Stockport, and Manchester’s Trafford Park. “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,” explains Jose Bailey, Chief Commercial Officer at CHEC. “For well over a decade, we’ve been trusted by the NHS to deliver healthcare services free of charge, and we can’t wait to open our doors and become part of the Macclesfield community. In the meantime, we’d welcome any residents to get in touch and learn more about how we work with the NHS to make much-needed treatments more readily accessible.” Upon opening, treatments will be within four weeks of receipt of referral. To register your interest in the services CHEC will provide at its Macclesfield site, please contact engagement@chec.uk CHEC, a community healthcare provider delivering specialist ophthalmology services in partnership with the NHS, recently welcomed Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, to its new site in Wandsworth (Friday 17th Jan 2025) to share insights on how independent eyecare services can help free up NHS waiting times. Ms de Cordova MP, who is registered as blind, is lobbying for a National Eye Health Strategy Bill in Parliament to improve eye health outcomes, following the launch of her report ‘Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives’, which looked at current barriers to visually impaired people entering the workforce. Ms de Cordova MP has long campaigned for equal access to eyecare for all, declaring the UK’s current waiting lists for ophthalmology services as ‘an emergency’ in 2024. She visited CHEC Wandsworth, which opens soon at The Filaments, and met with CHEC’s deputy CEO Matt Currall, Hospital Manager Amy Notschild, Chief Medical Officer Des Breen, and Head of Partnerships for the South Steve Hunkin. Together they explained how the hospital – and the wider CHEC operating model – uses community care and a collaborative approach to reduce local waiting times by treating patients within four weeks of initial referral, and ease pressure on the NHS. With 30 hospitals and 90 community sites across England, in 2023/24, CHEC consulted over 374,000 patients, with 98% feeling satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment they received. Matt Currall said of the visit: “It was a pleasure to welcome Ms de Cordova MP to our new Wandsworth hospital, and offer a real-time demonstration and insight into how our processes and support team help to reduce local waiting times for vital ophthalmology procedures. “As an organisation, we echo Ms de Cordova’s stance on the importance of collaboration between all healthcare providers to ensure equity of access to high-quality care, because in so many cases, it proves to be both transformative for the patient and for struggling NHS services. We welcome the introduction of her National Eye Health Strategy Bill and hope it will be successful.” Marsha de Cordova MP commented: “It was good to visit CHEC Wandsworth to see how their innovative community-based service model is delivering better eye health outcomes for local people, as well as discuss how a National Eye Health Strategy would aid this work. “With the NHS under immense pressure and ophthalmology waiting lists eye-wateringly high, it is vital that we look at how we prioritise and deliver eye care, including through a National Eye Health Strategy, to get wait lists down and deliver better results for patients.”of her National Eye Health Strategy Bill and hope it will be successful.” 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. CHEC West Bromwich set to reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice CHEC West Bromwich is ready to welcome patients for cataract surgery after officially opening the doors in West Bromwich city centre. The conveniently located facility will help reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice by providing access to ophthalmology services in the community. With parking and excellent transport links, the new clinical facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art ophthalmology theatre. Now accepting referrals, CHEC West Bromwich is supporting the NHS to reduce waiting times by treating patients for cataracts within four weeks. Kirandeep Mandahar, Hospital Manager for CHEC West Bromwich, said: “Having shared the news that we’d be opening a site in West Bromwich earlier this year, we’re pleased to have now opened our doors and be able to take on new patients. “For well over a decade, we’ve been trusted by the NHS to deliver healthcare services including cataracts, free of charge for local people in the community. Cataract surgery is transformative for those who receive it, improving their wellbeing and lifestyle almost instantly. At CHEC, our priority is ensuring patients are able to exercise choice, receive exceptional care and all have equity of access to our high quality care. We’re excited to now offer that in West Bromwich, and look forward to welcoming our first patients in the coming weeks.” To learn more about accessing the services CHEC West Bromwich offers Meet Your Dedicated NHS Partnership Executives At CHEC, we’re committed to providing exceptional services and care to you and your patients. To ensure seamless communication and support, we’ve established a network of dedicated NHS Partnership Executives, your local go-to contacts for CHEC queries. They’re just a call or email away. Find your local NHS Partnership Executive below. North Midlands South North Danny Bradbury Head of National SalesE: danny.b@chec.ukT: 07927 530269 Mellissa Sturgeon Regional Relationship Manager NorthE: mellissa.s@chec.uk Michael Fuller Senior Partnership ExecutiveSheffieldE: michael.f@chec.ukT: 07564 579557 Yaseen Shah Senior Partnership ExecutiveAccringtonE: yaseen.s@chec.ukT: 07845 652378 Andrew Tremble NHS Partnership ExecutiveNewcastle GatesheadE: andrew.t@chec.ukT: 07751 928184 Kirsty Serdiville NHS Partnership ExecutiveBlackpool and PrestonE: kirsty.s@chec.ukT: 07742 875332 Candy Ahmed NHS Partnership ExecutiveStockport and Trafford ParkE: candy.a@chec.ukT: 07756 287454 Karen Miller NHS Partnership ExecutiveWarrington and MacclesfieldE: karen.m@chec.ukT: 07523 680553 Max Norcliffe NHS Partnership ExecutiveLeedsE: max.n@chec.ukT: 07701 218040 Midlands Andrew James Regional Relationship Manager MidlandsE: andrew.j@chec.ukT: 07751 804668 Faye Belgrove Senior Partnership ExecutiveKings NortonE: faye.b@chec.ukT: 07928 671870 Amy Jackson NHS Partnership ExecutiveNottingham, Chesterfield, and StokeE: amy.j@chec.ukT: 07908 155794 Monica Nitu NHS Partnership ExecutiveNorthampton and Milton KeynesE: monica.n@chec.ukT: 07751 812446 Laura Kirby NHS Partnership ExecutiveKings Norton and West BromwichE: laura.k@chec.ukT: 07874 397398 Amber Belgrove NHS Partnership ExecutiveCoventry and LeicesterE: amber.b@chec.ukT: 07874 396490 South Steven Hunkin Head of PartnershipsSouthE: steven.h@chec.ukT: 07546 689764 Michael Morris Head of PartnershipsSouth EastE: michael.m@chec.ukT: 07845 657620 Jatinder Bhamra Senior Partnership ExecutiveSloughE: jatinder.b@chec.ukT: 07561 113494 Joshua Cooper NHS Partnership ExecutiveStevenage and WatfordE: joshua.c@chec.ukT: 07506 286958 Justin Frost NHS Partnership ExecutiveBasingstokeE: justin.f@chec.ukT: 07549 031628 Alicia Pompon NHS Partnership ExecutiveDorset, Canterbury, and WorthingE: alicia.p@chec.ukT: 07561 110093 Lataliya Blackman-Williams NHS Partnership ExecutiveBattersea and WandsworthE: lataliya.bw@chec.ukT: 07756 288597 Katerina Pippi NHS Partnership ExecutiveSwindonE: katerina.p@chec.ukT: 07718 929051 Salman Abbas NHS Partnership ExecutiveIlford and New CrossE: salman.a@chec.ukT: 07909 767020 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