Managing Performer Lists, Uncertainty Over Free LFTs, Committee Members And FODO News

20 April 2022

We have 5 items for you today:

1. Optometrist Performer Listing 
   
   NHS England have issued an updated policy on managing applications to join the England performers lists, HERE. A statement from OFNC can be found HERE. 
2. Herts LOC Welcomes New Committee Members
   
   The Herts LOC Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held via Zoom on Monday 21st March 2022.

   As part of the AGM, elections were held to fill the four vacancies on the committee, chosen from four excellent new applications and two existing committee members who were facing re-election as part of our constitutional, democratic process.

   I am pleased to announce the successful candidates were Ash Patel and Nisha Shah, who we warmly welcome to the committee. The existing nominees, Hansil Shah and Peter Chapman, were also returned. We would like to give huge thanks and appreciation to the committee members who have stood down this year, including Sumila Kasaven, Sally Tucker, Mary Bramley and Wendy d’E Vallancey, who have kindly agreed to continue to assist and support the LOC as advisors. We also thank the other membership applicants and AGM observers.

   We have all been facing very difficult circumstances and challenging times. Part of our role here at the Herts LOC is to disseminate information to all local contractors and performers so you are able to understand and comply with your duties, to stay up to date with the latest information and to provide support. We endeavour to continue to keep you up to date via email and our website.

   Our committee has a diverse range of experience and we all work together to support you. A large number of you have been in touch with us, now more than ever, with lots of questions and we will always answer or point you in the right direction. Please don’t forget we are here to support you as practitioners and we do want to hear from you about any optometric concerns or views you may have going forward as we look to a future beyond the pandemic.

   Should you have any questions about the AGM, or the LOC, you are welcome to contact us at admin@hertsloc.org.uk

3. Uncertainty in accessing and funding lateral flow tests
   
   FODO Advise: “Members have been in touch asking about the supply of lateral flow tests given that current IPC guidance for healthcare settings advises testing. Our understanding is that the UK Health Security Agency now has strong supply chain arrangements in place but, with sector partners, we are working to clarify future supply arrangements and whether these will be centrally funded.  We will update members as soon as possible. Please note, this uncertainty is affecting all primary care contractor professions, with the BMA raising similar concerns this week.”
4. LOCSU Chair and Chief Executive
   LOCSU have announced that Mike Fegan will retire as Chairman in April 2022, HERE, and Richard Whittington, the chief executive of LOCSU, has announced that he is standing down to take up a senior role within NHS England, HERE.
5. FODO News
   Today’s FODO News is HERE, including GOC Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey, and other sector news.  Their update from 17/03/22 can be found HERE, including compassionate conversations training, GOC’s updated education and training requirements for contact lens opticians and system enhancements to PCSE Online.

Kind regards

Herts LOC