Staff and patients at CHEC Stoke, the Outstanding CQC rated hospital, were celebrating after the community-based healthcare provider marked five years of working in partnership with the NHS to increase patient choice and reduce waiting times. 

“It’s hard to believe it’s five years ago that we welcomed our first patients to CHEC Stoke,” says Joshua Phillips, Hospital Manager. “We’d like to thank the local community for choosing CHEC, trusting us to deliver the highest standards of care, and for joining us to celebrate our fifth anniversary!” 

Since first opening its doors at the Parklands site in 2019, CHEC Stoke has provided ophthalmology services to more than 26,441 patients and completed over 13,888 cataract surgeries. The community hospital has also succeeded in consistently maintaining very low waiting times, with patients currently able to access treatment one week or less. 

“I’m so proud to be celebrating five years of CHEC Stoke, and to have been part of CHEC since 2018,” explains Kim Garrett, Deputy Hospital Manager. Since CHEC Stoke opened, Kim has undertaken various theatre roles, qualified as an Ophthalmic Scrub Assistant, and became Deputy Hospital Manager in 2023.

“To have the flagship site get to its fifth anniversary is a massive achievement and I’m delighted to be celebrating with our fantastic team,” Kim continues. “Thank you to Nick Brownfield, Waseem Qureshi, Tahira Rehman, Ruth Balliu, and Carolynne La’Course for their commitment to our hospital since its doors opened five years ago, and to the wider team who work so hard to provide our patients with the highest quality care.”

Over the last five years, CHEC Stoke has pioneered a series of initiatives that make it easier for patients to access its community-based healthcare services. These include a free Home to Hospital™ pick up service and an online patient booking app. 

“As we mark the fifth anniversary of CHEC Stoke, I’m overjoyed at the strides we’ve made and the lives we’ve touched,” comments Imran Rahman, CHEC CEO and Consultant Ophthalmologist. “From day one, our mission was clear: deliver healthcare with top-tier medical expertise, compassion, and innovation. Today, I can proudly say, mission accomplished, and with CQC Outstanding cementing that thought!”

“Our stellar team has not only delivered exceptional patient care but also embraced innovation with open arms. Cutting-edge tech, data-driven solutions – we’re not just keeping up; we’re setting the pace,” continues Imran. “Huge thanks to our Stoke family – staff, healthcare heroes, partners, and our amazing patients. You’ve all been instrumental in making CHEC Stoke the success it is today.”

CHEC has established a stronghold for community healthcare provision across the Central England region with hospitals in Coventry and Nottingham. Throughout the UK, CHEC now has more than 20 hospitals.  

“As we celebrate, let’s look to the future with excitement,” concludes Imran. “The next five years promise even more groundbreaking innovation and unwavering dedication to our community. Thank you for being part of our incredible journey.”