CHEC, one of the largest providers of community-based ophthalmology services in the UK, has marked a clinical milestone after treating its first surgical eye patients at the recently opened Sheffield hospital.
Working in partnership with the NHS, CHEC is helping to reduce waiting times in Sheffield and the surrounding areas by making essential treatments more accessible in the community. “By choosing CHEC, patients can typically access cataract surgery in under 4 weeks,” explains Jose Bailey, Commercial Director, CHEC.
“Patient choice and care are front and centre of our operations at CHEC, and we’ve developed a wide range of initiatives to make it easier for people to access the healthcare services they need. But the most rewarding part is seeing the impact our community-based healthcare has on local people.”
Based in a new state-of the-art treatment centre at Sheffield Business Park, the community care facility started seeing patients mid-September and has already completed over 50 appointments. One of the first patients to benefit from CHEC’s community cataract procedures was Mr Jeremy Holmes. Aged 79, Mr Holmes was grateful to be referred to CHEC after waiting more than six months since his initial diagnosis.
“Not being able to see properly has had a serious impact on my quality of life. I used to live a very active life and wouldn’t think twice about driving up to Cumbria to go salmon fishing – one of my biggest passions. Losing sight in both eyes has left me reliant on friends to take me places, and unable to go fishing independently. I can’t wait to get that independence and freedom back.”
Accessing CHEC’s services in the community has expedited Mr Holme’s treatment, with the Home to Hospital™ pick up service being a key benefit: “My wife isn’t hugely confident at driving these days, so having CHEC take us door-to-door for the operation has made it much easier, and given us peace of mind."
To learn more accessing the community-based treatments CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk.
