FOI 1700 - Ophthalmology Contracts
FOI Reference Number:
1700
Request
1. Could you please describe the cataract referral process from a community optometrist through to a cataract surgery provider.
2. Could you please describe how these referrals are sent / received: eg post, email, ERS, e-ERS
3. Within the process, if there is an intermediary such as a referral support service / management service / single point of access, could you please describe this and provide a contact email address for this service.
4. List the current cataract surgery providers and the address they operate from within the area
Response
Date: 15 November 2022
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION – DECISION NOTICE
Dear Sir / Madam,
FOI Reference Number: 1700
1. Could you please describe the cataract referral process from a community optometrist through to a cataract surgery provider.
Approved Cataract optometrists may refer directly to patient’s chosen provider; some however may refer to the patient’s GP for referral if they have not signed up to the Enhanced Service or some Optometrists may refer via a triage service.
2. Could you please describe how these referrals are sent / received: eg post, email, ERS, e-ERS
Referrals are sent via secure NHS email, the Opera system for Optometrists or ERS for GPs.
3. Within the process, if there is an intermediary such as a referral support service / management service / single point of access, could you please describe this and provide a contact email address for this service.
Some referrals (from GPs or Optometrists not on the approved Cataract Optometrist list) may go into a cataract surgery provider either via the North Derbyshire triage and treat service; this service will carry out the same work as an approved Cataract Optometrist and check the patient against the PLCV (procedures of limited clinical value) policy, or via the South Derbyshire virtual triage trial who would onward refer to an approved Cataract Optometrist as this is a virtual triage service not face to face. The South Derbyshire triage service is currently a pilot scheme.
Email address for north Derbyshire triage and treat service:
ddicb.pa-wheatbridge@nhs.net
Email address for south Derbyshire virtual triage trial:
ddicb.derbyshireophthalmologytriage@nhs.net
4. List the current cataract surgery providers and the address they operate from within the area
• Spamedica undertake activity at a number of sites against the contract but the majority of the activity takes place at the address below:
Ground Floor
Quarnmill House
Stores Rd
Derby
DE21 4XF
• Newmedica
Unit 1B and 1C
Midland Place
Barlborough Links
Chesterfield
S43 4FR
• Optegra
Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester
One Didsbury Point
2 The Avenue
Didsbury
Manchester
M20 2EY
However please note that there may be some cataract activity included within the standard contracts we hold with some NHS Trusts where they provide Ophthalmology services:
• Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Chesterfield Road,
Calow,
Chesterfield
S44 5BL
• University Hospitals of Derby and Burton
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
DE22 3NE
I hope that this answers your queries with the information we currently hold, but if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of receipt of the response to your original letter and should be addressed to:
NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB
FOI Team
Scarsdale
Nightingale Close
Newbold
Chesterfield
S41 7PF
Or:
If you are not content with the outcome of our review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).
The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: Information Commissioners Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF, telephone 0303 123 1113, email casework@ico.org.uk.
Yours faithfully,
Kathryn Jacklin
FOI Officer
Derby and Derbyshire ICB
All information we have provided is subject to the provisions of the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015. Accordingly, if the information has been made available for re-use under the Open Government Licence (OGL) a request to re-use is not required, but the licence conditions must be met. You must not re-use any previously unreleased information without having the consent from the ICB. Should you wish to re-use previously unreleased information then you must make your request in writing (email will suffice) to the FOI Lead via ddicb.foi@nhs.net. All requests for re-use will be responded to within 20 working days of receipt.
