Living With Covid, Vacancy And FODO News

20 April 2022

We have 3 items for you today:

1. Covid Updates from UKHSA, ABDO, the College and FODO
   
   Following the publication of England’s living with Covid plan on Monday, FODO have issued the following updates:

   Healthcare settings to continue following existing IPC measures

   Since the Prime Minister announced plans to lift Covid-19 restrictions in England, we have worked with NHS England and the College of Optometrists to get timely guidance to primary eye care settings.

   NHS England has now confirmed its position as follows:

   • There are no immediate changes to IPC requirements in health care at this stage
   • The current testing protocol for staff should continue as now
   • NHS England will write in coming weeks to provide more detail on “various testing protocols for patients and staff”.

   Read NHS England’s latest letter.

   The UK Health Security Agency has today confirmed that there is no longer a legal requirement for people with Covid-19 to self-isolate in England. However, “due to the higher risk nature of health and social care settings, the advice for staff members working in these settings has not changed“. Therefore, please note:
    

   • Healthcare staff who have tested positive for Covid-19 should not attend work until they have had two negative LFD test results taken 24 hours apart.
   • The first test should not be taken before day five after their initial positive test. These tests need to be 24 hours apart. If they are medically fit, they can return to work on the morning of day six if they tested negative 24 hours earlier.

   Read the guidance.

   ABDO and the College of Optometrists have issued a joint statement saying: “Optometry practices and staff should continue to follow the College’s Amber guidance and FAQs to maintain high standards of infection control to keep staff and patients safe from the continued risk of Covid-19.” This includes following the existing FAQ on what to do if somebody in your household has Covid-19.

2. Optometrist Vacancy
   
   Redbourn Eyecare is a small independent eyecare practice in the quintessential English village of Redbourn in St.Albans. They are looking for an Optometrist for 1 or 2 days per week on a self employed basis, starting from the middle/end of March. Please contact Karan on 07517215454, or info@redbourneyecare.co.uk with a CV if interested. 
3. FODO News
   Is HERE, including New PPE Portal platform, Health and Care Bill update and a Case study on cataract care.

Kind Regards

Herts LOC