CHEC completes rollout of community-based clinics

Since opening its doors in 2023, CHEC Accrington has been undertaking a project to open ‘spoke’ clinics across the region. Spokes act as extensions of the hospital’s ophthalmology 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 Accrington’s third spoke has now opened at Padiham Group Practice in Burnley, completing the roll out. Clinics are also available at Shifa Surgery in Blackburn, and Wellfield Health Centre in Rochdale.

Jennifer Rottier, Hospital Manager for CHEC Accrington said: “Sinceopening our doors, we’ve consulted over 24,000 patients, but we also recognise that visiting a hospital isn’t easy for everyone. Whether it’s transport or mobility challenges, work or family commitments, or simply preferring a familiar setting, there are many reasons people may struggle to access care.

“That’s why our ‘spoke’ community clinicsare so vital. They remove barriers and bring eyecare closer to home, helping us complete more patient healthcare journeys. They also ease pressure on local NHS services by unlocking extra resources and capacity. With three clinics now operating, we look forward to continuing our positive impact on the community.”

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