Including expansion into endoscopy services to help reduce NHS backlogs
CHEC, one of the largest providers of community-based ophthalmology care in the UK, is celebrating a record year of growth, coupled with expanding services and multiple industry awards. These milestones illustrate CHEC's position as an industry leader and trusted partner of the NHS.
Throughout 2022, CHEC has opened 6 sites across the country, spanning from Newcastle and Dorset to Basingstoke and Northampton. Each clinic is uniquely placed to help tackle NHS backlogs, which increased significantly during the pandemic. NHS England data shows that the number of people in England on a waiting list to start routine treatment, such as cataract surgery, continues to rise, highlighting the need for CHEC's services.
With national waiting lists for NHS care reaching a record high of 7.1 million people, the need for community healthcare service providers to relieve pressure on the NHS has never been greater.
Intending to support the NHS further, CHEC has also expanded its offerings beyond ophthalmology and into endoscopy. CHEC opened its first Diagnostic Endoscopy suite in Nottingham in April this year. Endoscopy waiting lists are some of the longest in the country, with patients waiting for cancer screening, and upper/lower GI diagnostic procedures. CHEC's expansion of services cements its role as a key contributor in supporting the NHS and a provider of quality care in the community
Following the expansion of clinics, CHEC's position in the eye care industry has gone from strength to strength. In April, CHEC launched a partnership with the Royal National Institute for Blind People to provide a dedicated ECLO support worker across all sites. The role of the ECLO is to provide those recently diagnosed with an eye condition with the practical and emotional support which they need to understand their diagnosis, deal with their sight loss, and maintain their independence.
This year, CHEC also attended 100% Optical, the fastest-growing optical event in Europe and the largest in the UK, as the entrance sponsor. This was an amazing opportunity for CHEC to discuss community ophthalmology with our Optometry colleagues, and the opportunities for working collaboratively to support patients locally.
CHEC was announced as the winner of ‘Most Engaging Stand' due to its highly innovative stand that provided the opportunity to conduct cataract surgery on a synthetic eye in a dry lab environment. Plans for CHEC's stand at 100% Optical 2023 are already in motion as they hope to retain the award.
In 2022 CHEC has delivered many benefits for colleagues as part of a 3-year employee engagement programme. In October, CHEC was pleased to announce it had received the Great Place to Work Certification following its entry in the Best Workplace Trust Survey, the world's largest study of workplace excellence and people management practices. CHEC has also been shortlisted for the Tomorrow's Care award 2023.
As part of the employee engagement initiative, CHEC has also delivered a total of 21 Continuing Professional Development events across the UK. These events, such as the ones in partnership with Scope Eyecare, have allowed for top-tier insight and training opportunities for CHEC employees.
The recognition CHEC has received as a leading innovator, dedicated care provider and an excellent place to work demonstrates the successful year that CHEC has had over the past 12 months. Looking forward, CHEC's growth and momentum will continue into 2023 and beyond.
Jon Dore, Chief Operating Officer at CHEC said: "It's been an amazing year CHEC, not only from opening 6 clinics but also our expansion of services into endoscopy which has enabled us to provide expertise, quality care and capacity to support the NHS and reduce backlogs. Over the next year we will continue to expand our services across the UK and bolster our reputation as a leader in the provision of healthcare services to the NHS.
