LOC Minutes 11-02-2016

In attendance

Peter Bainbridge (Chair)PBDivya Sudera (Vice Chair)DS

Peter Hampson (Secretary)PHLouise Sarjeant (Treasurer)LS

Koyas AliKA

Inderpal Bansal IB

Jaspinderpal BansalJB

Saima BegumSB

Majid JawaidMJ

Roger MeredithRM

Wasim Sarwar WS

Paul SidhuPS

Richard StokesRS

David WrightDW

Observing – Maria Niblett

Apologies – Helenmary Attewell, Martin Attewell

Minutes of previous meeting - RM proposed as correct, RS seconded.

Matters arising- nil

Community Services

PB the launch date for the schemes is 1st March 2016, quite soon, but we are increasing the number of accredited optoms. RM if we can’t see a patient within 48 hours, can we send them to another practice? PB yes, you would need to call other practices for the patient. DS Specsavers would likely have free appointments. IB the contract seems workable, and the patient can always be referred. PB you just need to be able to find the patient an available appointment. The clinical governance lead would need to be aware if there were issues.

The 9th Feb was Birmingham’s launch event, but there were Sandwell optoms too. Throughout the process information for the scheme hasn’t been disseminated well, especially with the cross-border issues. DS Charles Barlow has taken that role now to disseminate tasks and info between regions. PH the contract is out for consultation and is the NHS standard contract with unnecessary elements removed. The regional company and LOCSU will check it, and it will go back for amendments if necessary.

Regional Company

PB the accounts have been filed. We’ve agreed to split costs for the launch events. Short term there’s low cash flow. PS in Wolverhampton, 4% per episode goes to the company.

Chairman’s Business

PB had a meeting with Velota Sung about discharging stable glaucoma and ocular hypertensives to optometry care for discs, fields, IOPs, Humphrey and OCT and info sent back to HES via N3. Heartlands are willing to let those with a DRS N3 line use it for such schemes. Would need to have N3 put in otherwise. Potential for AMD monitoring. May pilot, currently only 3 OCTs in the region. PS the scheme should be open to all if the right equipment/training and there needs to be a finite time on the trial. MJ particular OCT? PB don’t think so.

Secretary’s Business

PH on the 29th Feb BMEC are launching an “Advice and Guidance” scheme where optoms can ask for an opinion on a patient via an online portal, and receive a response within 24 hours. Concern about patient confidential data being sent as have to send, such as patient initials, date of birth and NHS number. David Brown has said everyone can have

NHS email, and not need to do Information Governance, but HSCIC have said that is not the case. DS what is IG? PH it’s the creation of a policy bundle, including asset registers, risk assessments etc. that has to be uploaded. Could be up to 5 days work. Pharmacy

received £2,000 for completion. IB is it needed for MECS? PH no because Optomanager sorts that. RS at launch they said they use fax.

PH DB has asked about the possibility of compulsory CET events, about GOS claims, where if non-attendance will stop GOS payments. No authority to do so. Waiting to start the second audit, but no OAs to do the paperwork.

CET Officer

WS the next CET event is Monday 22nd Feb. Trevor Warburton will be talking about GOS reclaims and Mr Lett will talk about A&E neurology.

We had the first OSCE’s on Monday, which went well, and the next session is Monday 7th March. We will likely need another set.

Treasurer’s Business

LS the accounts are with the accountant, being prepared for the AGM. We have spent a little more money this year. We have plenty in reserves for MECS, but these are currently unknown costs. PS would like to thank Sandwell for paying for my NOC place, as Dudley have had unexpected costs this year. DW the Healthy Living Optician scheme cost more than expected.

Diabetes

PB the legal department at Heartlands have said they have to start the procurement of optometry sites from scratch before they can issue new contracts, and will invite all practices again. The have got control over N3 lines again, however they have no money to put N3 or computers into new sites. There is no fee change. LS there is also going to be no accreditation process as City & Guilds are ceasing to offer a screening qualification. Heartlands may look at their own accreditation scheme.

A.O.B.

SB LOCSU had said there was some online training, but it needs a code. LS will email it.

PH there was a House of Lords debate about Adlens, they’re campaigning for adjustable lenses that can go from -6.00 to +3.00 to be made available over-the-counter. It risks opening up self-refraction.

JB what happens with MECS if the patient tries to get a second opinion. RM can’t be seen within 4 months of original appointment for same complaint. PB software will show they’ve been seen so should check at triage. DS should put patient on system.

RS with IOP refinement, should only do if “no other signs of glaucoma”. Is there a protocol for “normal”? PB it shouldn’t change what you’d normally do. You’re not obliged to do a fields on everyone, as then fields would have to be part of scheme. If concerned by discs, would do a fields. If no concern then just repeat IOPs.

IB BLOC has fact sheets on website, if non-MECS can refer to MECS optom (not the same with IOP). Will all optometrics practices be sent this information, so they know they can refer into scheme? LS should do, as all pharmacies and GP surgeries will get information in the same manner.

Date of Next Meeting

Thursday 12th May, 6pm for 6:30pm start at Sandwell Golf Course