Flu Vaccines, Learning Disability Training Module, NHS Supplier Invoices, LOCSU And FODO News

11 October 2021

We have 5 items for you today:

1. Flu Vaccinations for All Patient Facing Staff
   We have been advised by NHSE&I that funding has been granted to allow ALL frontline staff to receive this year’s Flu (Influenza) Jab, including reception and support staff where they are patient facing, as well as Optoms and DOs etc. You should be able to book via your local Pharmacy, the national chains such as Boots and Tesco, or contact your GP if necessary. When booking, be sure to choose the NHS/exempt from payment option, due to being a frontline NHS worker. You may also need to take some proof of this, such as a pay slip or letter from your employer. Further information can be found in NHSE&I’s letter HERE.
2. Training Opportunity to Support Eyecare Services for People with a Learning Disability
   
   A series of six online teaching sessions is being launched aimed at preparing eyecare practitioners to deliver services to people with learning disabilities.

   Developed and reviewed by subject experts in partnership with SeeAbility, a charity that supports people who have learning disabilities or autism and sight loss, it offers an authoritative insight into key areas of learning disability practice. This module has been funded by LOCSU, WOPEC, ABDO and SeeAbility and is free to eye care practitioners, eye care administration staff and other healthcare professionals. It is a prerequisite for practitioners wishing to deliver the LOSCU community learning disability pathway and the NHS England Special Schools Eyecare Service.

   Further information is available HERE.

3. Change of Email Address for NHS SUPPLIERS to Submit Invoices via PDF
   We have been asked to forward notification of a change to the email address which all NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Suppliers should use to submit their invoices to, which is now sbs.apinvoicing@nhs.net and not sbs.invoicing@nhs.net as previously used. This does NOT include or affect GOS claims or PCSE payments. It is unlikely that this will apply to many, if any, practitioners.
4. LOCSU Newsletter
   Is HERE, including the launch of the Eye Care Hub Website, PHE publishes their “Vision Atlas” and NHSE&I remind practices to complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT).
5. FODO News
   Is HERE, including the College saying no change to IPC measures, World Sight Day and other optical sector news.

Kind regards

Herts LOC