A PATIENT has praised a newly opened hospital in Warrington that is aiming to reduce waiting times.

CHEC opened on Centre Park close to the town centre earlier this month.

Now the ophthalmology hospital is celebrating a clinical milestone after treating its first surgical eye patients.

One of the first patients to benefit from CHEC’s community cataract procedures was Brian Larkin.

The 74-year-old has since praised the hospital for the treatment he received.

He said: “Having been referred to CHEC by my optician, I was offered a quick appointment date.

“When attending on surgery day, the theatre was spotless, and the surgery was painless.

“The whole experience was great, and the team were friendly and efficient.”

Working in partnership with the NHS, CHEC is helping to reduce waiting times in Warrington and the surrounding areas by making essential treatments more accessible in the community.

The new hospital will support the NHS in reducing waiting times for ophthalmology by treating patients within four weeks of a referral being received.

Lauren Puckering, hospital manager for CHEC Warrington, said: “Patient choice and care are front and centre of our operations at CHEC, and we’ve developed a wide range of initiatives to make it easier for people to access the healthcare services they need.

“But the most rewarding part is seeing the impact our community-based healthcare has on people like Brian.”