- Independent hospital
Community Health and Eyecare Limited (CHEC - Slough)
Assessment report published 2 June 2026
Ratings - Surgery
Our view of the service
Date of assessment 5 November 2025
We undertook a comprehensive assessment of surgery services because the service had not been assessed since being registered in May 2021.
The service provides NHS-funded ophthalmology care in a community setting, including cataract surgery, glaucoma management, YAG laser treatment and follow‑up care. It also offers dermatology assessment and treatment for conditions such as benign skin lumps, enabling patients to access care locally. In addition to its NHS work, the service provides private treatment options and offers a free patient transport service to support attendance.
We rated this service as good.
We found the service had a strong learning culture and investigated incidents thoroughly. Staff consistently maintained safe pathways, completing essential checks, escalating concerns appropriately and ensuring continuity of care through clear records and emergency processes. The service managed safeguarding well, staff had full training, clear escalation routes and specialist support. Staff involved patients and relatives in safety checks, explaining procedures to enhance the experience.
The environment was clean, well equipped and safely maintained in line with national guidance. Leaders ensured staffing levels, skill mix and governance for clinicians working under practising privileges were robust. They supported ongoing development and specialist competencies. The service controlled infection risks well, through clean environments, strong audits and safe surgical practice. Staff managed medicines safely with secure storage, clear processes, effective learning from incidents and safe administration supported by access to emergency treatments. However, the provider did not always submit statutory notifications to the Care Quality Commission for incidents that met the criteria for reporting serious injury.
At this assessment we identified a breach of regulation in relation to Good Governance.
If we have requested an action plan, this will be requested upon publication of the final report.
People's experience of this service
Patients were consistently positive about their care. They described staff as warm, kind and attentive, and felt the care and treatment provided were effective. Patients told us they were given enough time to ask questions about their procedure, and staff checked they fully understood what would happen. People also appreciated being seen and treated promptly.
Our review of the October 2025 patient survey reflected this feedback. Patients reported receiving quick appointments and being seen on time. They consistently described staff as polite, professional, reassuring, and helpful. People reported a positive experience with good communication, clear explanations, and high‑quality clinical treatment. They felt listened to, valued clear instructions, and noted that staff explained procedures well, which helped to reduce anxiety.
A wheelchair user reported feeling well supported, describing the service as accessible and responsive to their needs. Overall, patients described the service as prompt, excellent, and courteous.