Heart of West Midlands Regional Optical Committee21-01-2016
Present
Peter Bainbridge (PB)Sandwell
Charles Barlow (CB)Dudley/Solihull
Debbie Graham (DG)Optometric Advisor
Ian Hadfield (IH)Birmingham
Aisha Jeewa (AJ)Walsall
Peter Hampson (PH)Sandwell
Spencer Parkes (SP)Solihull
Claire Roberts (CR)LEHN Chair
Peter Rockett (PR)Wolverhampton
Louise Sarjeant (LS)Sandwell/Minutes
Paul Sidhu (PS)Dudley
Dave Stevens (DKS)Walsall
Apologies
Prab Boparai (PKB), Dan Sanders (DPS), Vince Roberts (VR)
Minutes of previous meeting
Proposed as correct by SP, seconded by AJ
Matters arising
DG did anyone go in for the innovation award? PS Dudley didn’t.
Refracting Children for HES
SP we’ve had a number of letters from the Childrens’ Hospital requesting refractions and cyclos. DG they can’t demand cyclo, changed it to “refraction as deemed fit”. PS regulations say HES shouldn’t request GOS unless for prescribing. PH may cause problems with PPV. PB will send a letter from the ROC letting them know what a GOS ST entails. If they want cyclo etc, will need a pathway. CB also copy to practitioners.
LEHN
CR the LEHN is now aligned with NHS West Midlands, including Hereford, Arden and Worcester. I’m doing 2 days a week, and can now recruit roles, which are posted on NHS jobs website.
Smoking cessation is an ongoing project, linking with National Eye Health Week. We’ll redesign leaflets and posters, funding from Health Education West Midlands for training. Hope to get funding for learning disabilities and dementia.
PB IH, CR and I attended a meeting at BMEC with Velota Sung and Hilary Lemboye about shared care in optometry practices; monitoring stable glaucoma, ocular hypertensives, wet AMD. Biggest stumbling block is IT. They would want OCT, Humphrey and N3 line. PB Heartlands would allow us to use N3 line, if someone else sorted it.
WMQRS
PB we’ve had 2 meetings and are halfway through developing quality standards for Eyecare in the West Midlands. CR should help our credibility as they’re well respected.
Advice and Guidance from BMEC
DG BMEC want us to send queries via an online portal, and get feedback within 24 hours. Need to be aware patient responsibility remains with us until referral if necessary. For urgent not emergency referrals. PS it’s our responsibility when we send patient data, so we need to be aware and tell practitioners.
ROC Company Update
CB we’ve lodged first accounts. Target is to break even and not make a profit. Voted to continue the company. Income predominantly from Wolverhampton at the moment. Next financial year will see new activities. Need to look at training and accreditation.
Walsall and SWB&S Primary Eye Care Bids
DKS Walsall are progressing well, engaging with practices, 15 at the moment (out of 30). CCGs want contracts sorted ASAP, awaiting protocol. Looking at promotion.
IH SWB&S due to launch on 1st March, but unlikely. SP SLA not agreed and contracts not signed. CB contracts will go to LOCSU who will create subcontracts.
AOB
PR we’ve had good figures in Wolverhampton showing a reduction in A&E activity.
IH David Brown has asked if we could hold compulsory presentations on making accurate claims, and withhold payments if non-attendance. PB we would encourage attendance, but can’t make it mandatory. CB could send newsletter to practices regarding importance of accurate claiming. CR can we send info to practices if outliers?
IH DB has funding for NHSmail for all optoms.
CR bidding for cash for learning disability pathway. AJ Walsall would might be interested and will help.
Date of Next Meeting
6.30pm Thursday 14th April 2016to be hosted by Birmingham
Action Plan
PB to send letter to all relevant eye departments with regards to childrens’ refractions, and copy to optoms.