Marsha de Cordova, the Labour MP for Battersea and a long-time advocate for equal access to eyecare, recently visited the new CHEC Wandsworth site to gain insights into how independent healthcare providers can ease NHS waiting times. The visit highlighted the role of community-based healthcare models in reducing patient delays and improving eye health services.
De Cordova, who is registered as blind, has been a vocal proponent of the National Eye Health Strategy Bill, which aims to improve eye health outcomes across the UK. This follows the launch of her report, Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives, which explores barriers preventing visually impaired individuals from entering the workforce.
In her 2024 campaign, de Cordova called the UK’s current ophthalmology waiting lists an “emergency,” pushing for swift legislative action to tackle the growing demand for eye health services. During her visit to CHEC Wandsworth, located at The Filaments in Wandsworth, she met with key staff members, including Matt Currall, Deputy CEO; Amy Notschild, Hospital Manager; Des Breen, Chief Medical Officer; and Steve Hunkin, Head of Partnerships for the South. Together, they discussed how CHEC’s operating model utilizes community care and collaboration to reduce local waiting times by ensuring patients are treated within four weeks of their initial referral.
With a network of 30 hospitals and 90 community sites across England, CHEC is making significant strides in alleviating pressure on the NHS. In the 2023/24 period, the organization consulted over 374,000 patients, with an impressive 98% reporting satisfaction with the care they received. Currall expressed his enthusiasm about de Cordova’s visit, stating, “It was a pleasure to demonstrate how our community-based services and team support reduce local waiting times for crucial ophthalmology procedures.”
Currall further emphasized that CHEC shares de Cordova’s belief in the power of collaboration among healthcare providers to ensure equitable access to high-quality care. He also expressed support for the National Eye Health Strategy Bill, hoping it will contribute to the improvement of eye health services in the UK.
De Cordova, commenting on her visit, stated, “It was great to see how CHEC’s innovative approach is providing better outcomes for local people and how a National Eye Health Strategy could further enhance this work. With NHS services under significant strain and ophthalmology waiting lists skyrocketing, it’s crucial to focus on prioritizing and delivering eye care to reduce these wait times and improve patient outcomes.”
Related topic:
New Leadership for Vision Care Portfolio Across North and Latin America
Qatar Red Crescent Society Launches Anti-Blindness Project in Sudan
Lapaire Expands Reach and Impact in 2024, Sets Sights on Future Growth