CHEC, a leading provider of community-based ophthalmology and endoscopy services in the UK, is delighted to announce the opening of two new sites in Stockport and Sheffield.
Both centres will offer ophthalmology and endoscopy services, addressing the significant backlogs in these specialties, with over 620,000 patients currently waiting for NHS ophthalmology treatment and waiting lists in regions such as Manchester and Sheffield ranging from 33-50 weeks and 24-41 weeks respectively, as a result of the pandemic.
With the NHS recommending a referral to treatment waiting time of no longer than 18 weeks, timely access to services is crucial to prevent permanent damage and delayed diagnoses, highlighting the need for additional resources.
CHEC's new sites in Stockport and Sheffield aim to relieve the pressure on the NHS and make general ophthalmology and community endoscopy services more readily available and accessible for patients. CHEC has a strong track record of delivering timely and high-quality specialist care, with an average waiting time of 1-4 weeks for its patients across its existing locations.
Both centres are scheduled to open in mid- 2023 and will further expand CHEC's presence in the North, complementing its existing sites in Stoke, Blackpool, Preston, and Accrington.
In anticipation of the launch of the Stockport site, CHEC Stockport will be hosting a virtual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event on 17th May for healthcare professionals seeking to earn CPD points, and registration can be accessed here.
The opening of Stockport and Sheffield sites marks the third and fourth openings for CHEC this year, following the successful launches of CHEC Worcester and CHEC Stevenage. CHEC's commitment to safety, effectiveness, quality of care, and patient-centric focus has been consistently recognised, with its Stoke hospital recently receiving an "Outstanding" rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Jose Bailey, Commercial Director at CHEC, commented: "CHEC's expansion, combined with prestigious clinical excellence recognition this year are a testament to the ongoing work we are doing to support the NHS and patients across the UK. We are thrilled to announce the opening of brand-new sites in the North this summer, expanding patient choice, reducing waiting times and offering an alternative solution for patients to access community-based services in new areas across the country."
