UKHSA is investigating a novel cluster of Burkholderia cenocepacia
23 November 2023
UKHSA is investigating a novel cluster of Burkholderia cenocepacia involving 20 cases across the UK. Of these cases, 12 (60%) are male, 18 (90%) are adults and two are paediatric patients (age range 6 weeks – 82 years, median 57 years). 14/20 (70%) were
critical care inpatients. Two patients have cystic fibrosis (CF). Preliminary epidemiological and microbiological investigations have identified a potential association with carbomer containing lubricating eye gel, though investigations are ongoing and these findings are not conclusive.
As a precautionary measure until further information is available, it is recommended that carbomer-containing lubricating eye gels for dry eyes are avoided where possible in the following groups:
- individuals with CF;
- critical care inpatients;
- severely immunocompromised inpatients; and
- patients awaiting lung transplantation.
UKHSA is working with NHS England and CF expert stakeholders to issue communications directly to CF patients, who will be directed to their CF Treatment Centres for further clinical advice.
Please see attached letter below.
North and North East Lincolnshire LOC Latest News
AGM 2024
Notification of the 2024 LOC Annual General Meeting This is a reminder that The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the North and Northeast Lincolnshire LOC will be held on 7.30pm Thurs 11th July. Venue: This meeting will be held virtually via the zoom app. Please see the links below for full details and nomination papers. …
6 June 2024
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9 May 2024
Vouchers at a glance for 2024
Vouchers, supplements, tints and repair values that apply to England from 1 April 2024 Vouchers at a glance PDF 2024
3 April 2024
NHSBSA Provider Assurance Ophthalmic – email address changes
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20 July 2023
AOP – The latest guidance on hydroxychloroquine retinopathy
(Please note that as of this date we do not have a local community monitoring service active in North & North East Lincolnshire LOC area so practitioners should refer patients that are not being monitored to their GP and ask them to arrange monitoring) Latest guidance from the AOP : Patients are sometimes told …
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1 February 2023
NHS Mail – use it or lose it
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10 December 2022
Equipment Grant
The LOC held a meeting on 03/11/2022 to discuss the recent offer of £2000 per practice to go towards equipment for enhanced services. The committee discussed whether to stick strictly to the original offer or to give the grant unconditionally. It was felt that, from a governance point of view, it would be simpler if the money …
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28 November 2022
Free CPD for Dispensing Opticians
NHSBSA are running a CPD event for DOs. This interactive CPD qualifies within the GOC Leadership and Accountability domain and will give some guidance on how early recall codes should be applied on GOS sight tests in England. Below are details of the free CPD C-103956 from the NHSBSA. Non-Dispensing Opticians are welcome to attend but …
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6 November 2022
Covid booster update – England
Dear LOC Colleagues Please note that the National Booking Service in England is now open to healthcare workers. This means that optical teams in England can start to book their vaccination: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
12 September 2022
Call for evidence on the Opticians Act and consultation on associated GOC policies
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2 July 2022