CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, were celebrating earlier this week after treating the 5,000th patient at its Newcastle Gateshead hospital. Working with the NHS, CHEC gives local residents increased choice and improved access to ophthalmology and gastroenterology services in the community.

Cecelia Belisle, from Tyne & Wear, went home with the title of 5,000th patient after having cataract surgery with CHEC Newcastle Gateshead. With a referral to treatment time of less than four weeks, Cecelia was extremely pleased with the quality of care delivered by CHEC.

Based in Gateshead Metrocentre, CHEC Newcastle Gateshead opened its doors to the local community and surrounding areas in 2022. Since then, over five thousand patients have chosen CHEC Newcastle Gateshead as their community eye and gastroenterology hospital. The hospital has also pioneered a series of initiatives that make healthcare services more accessible, including a free Home to Hospital™ pick up service and the launch of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS).

“Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and what a truly magical moment to be there when Cecelia became our 5,000th patient,” said Victoria Westgate, Hospital Manager. “Patient choice and care are central to our operations, and we’ve developed several initiatives that make healthcare services more accessible. But the most rewarding part is seeing the impact our work has on people like Cecelia. Thank you, Cecelia, and thank you to the CHEC Newcastle Gateshead team for everything you do, everyday!”

Headquartered in Preston, CHEC has more than 30 hospitals and 90 community clinics across England, with a Northern stronghold through its Leeds, Blackpool and Accrington hospitals.

To learn more accessing the community-based treatments CHEC provides with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk