Important Update Regarding Changes To Local Referral Arrangements In Buckinghamshire
21 June 2023
Please read this important update below , which is from BOB ICB, regarding changes to local referral arrangements in Buckinghamshire (not for MK area).
Dear colleagues,
Good day, we hope you are well
Further to our previous communication in January with regards to the provision of community ophthalmology and triage service in Buckinghamshire we are now able to provide the following update:
- Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT) will be delivering the service following Operose’s decision to stop providing this service (nationally). We are working with BHT and colleagues from the Local Optical Committee to support a safe transfer of service. We will provide further updates on the mobilisation of services over the next few weeks to keep you all informed.
- Triage of the service remains open to support your patients. Referrals should be via EeRS /Rego or for those yet to adopt this, referrals can be made via email bht.communityophreferrals@nhs.net . As per existing pathways, please ensure all urgent referrals do not go via this service and instead go direct to the appropriate service (i.e. For Eye casualty send email to buc-tr.buckseyecas@nhs.net or for suspect WET AMD use direct pathway email bht.bucksamd@nhs.net )
- Please support your patients to understand there will be an initial delay to being seen until the service is fully implemented. However, please also be assured that any urgent referrals will continue to be prioritised and seen accordingly.
- All patients previously under the care of Operose and requiring follow up have been transferred to BHT and are being contacted directly to inform them and support their ongoing care. This will be done in order of Operose’s intended follow up, such that those who are due to be seen sooner, will therefore be contacted sooner.
We will continue to provide updates but should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB
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