Agenda item

Report of Director of Commissioning Strategy and Delivery, NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and North Durham CCG

The Director of Commissioning Strategy and Delivery, NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and North Durham CCG submitted a briefing note (previously circulated) on Darlington CCG’s intention to commission a high quality, safe and sustainable community eye care service to deliver virtual glaucoma monitoring and post-op cataract care in the community.

It was reported that County Durham and Darlington CCG’s had been working collaboratively with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) for a number of years to reduce activity to the overstretched Ophthalmology department; the community services would improve the patient pathway, reduce the number of review attendances at hospital and create capacity for newly diagnosed and more complex patients.

It was also reported that approximately 2,000 patients were suitable for transfer to a community virtual glaucoma monitoring service and 2,300 patients were suitable for transfer to a post-op cataract service; and that feedback from patient engagement on the community service had been positive.

Details were provided of the procurement process; and Members noted that the service was expected to be in place from 1 April 2020. Members were assured that as part of the procurement process, mobilisation plans would be submitted by providers; and that there were no issues anticipated in respect of the launch date.

Following questions Scrutiny was advised that eight optometrists had shown an interest; that this work had been undertaken in conjunction with NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and North Durham CCG; and that the pathways would be available across County Durham and Darlington.

RESOLVED – That the community eye care service pathway be noted.