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Buckinghamshire LOC Latest News

Annual GOS complaints survey

If you’re a GOS contractor, you’ll need to complete the annual GOS complaints survey by 11:59pm on Friday 3 September. Visit NHSBSA for more information. The 2019/20 GOS complaints submission was paused due to Covid-19, however it will be open in conjunction with the 2020/21 submission which will run from 26 July 2021 until 3 September 2021. Under GOS regulations 2008, contractors are …

11 August 2021

MHRA issues advice on PPE and heat stress

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm/hot environments increases the risk of heat stress. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke if the person is unable to cool down. Measures to control the temperature of clinical …

6 August 2021

College updates its Amber phase guidance

The College of Optometrists has updated its Amber phase COVID-19 guidance . Their position remains clear – practices should continue to remain open for routine services while prioritising patients on a needs and symptoms-led basis. Optometrists and other practice staff should continue to maintain comprehensive infection prevention and control procedures, including the wearing of appropriate PPE …

25 July 2021

Reviewed guidance on PPE/IPC

The College of Optometrists, ABDO, the AOP and FODO have issued guidelines on appropriate infection prevention and control measures following recent government announcements. They advise that optical practices should continue to follow the College’s Amber guidance. On 19th July, practices should therefore continue to: follow current IPC guidance, including PPE ensure social distancing remains in …

14 July 2021

Changes to how primary care staff access lateral flow devices for asymptomatic testing

The way that NHS staff across all primary care contractor groups (medical, dental, optometry and community pharmacy) order lateral flow device (LFD) tests is changing. From 5th July 2021, all NHS staff will be able to order tests directly through the government lateral flow ordering portal and have these delivered to their home addresses. This update …

3 July 2021

Vacancy for LOC secretary

This interesting position has become available as the present holder is retiring from the role. It provides a rare opportunity to continue the development of optical services in Bucks and Milton Keynes.   The position consists of management and secretarial support to the Local Optical Committee (LOC), including communication between the LOC and NHS England, …

30 June 2021

Cataract waiting times

Waiting time for cataract surgery at Stoke Mandeville Hospital is currently 14 weeks from referral to surgery. Most cataract operations now take place in the standalone cataract theatre. Watch a virtual tour of the cataract theatre and the patient journey. Go to our Bucks Referrals page for more information about all referrals in the Bucks …

28 June 2021

NHSBSA

The following functions are now undertaken in Bucks and MK (formerly Bucks only) by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA): Annual GOS complaints Adult GOS4 pre-authorisation GOS post payment verification (PPV) NHS mail applications GOS contract applications / variations / terminations Visit the NHSBSA website for more information. Contact NHSBSA at nhsbsa.paos@nhs.net

12 June 2021

Send secure emails without an NHS Mail account

The form used to apply for NHS Mail addresses has changed. It now contains options for locum performers and performers working in multiples to apply for an ‘Egress’ account, which allows someone to send emails and documents (eg referrals) securely to nhs.net mail addresses, using a non-nhs.net address.  ‘Egress’ is a free of charge, web-based …

23 May 2021

LOCSU Latest News

LOCSU is Recruiting!

Are you passionate about improving eye health across England? Do you want to share your experience and skills to empower local leaders and LOCs?

3 May 2024

Key LOCSU Activity in 2024/25

LOCSU is refreshing the 2023/24 forward plan to build upon the progress undertaken in the last 12 months.

2 May 2024

Meet the Team – Trisha Suryodiningrat-Dinsdale

Having lived in eight countries since the age of three, adapting to change comes naturally for Trisha Suryodiningrat-Dinsdale.

29 April 2024

OFNC – Derisory GOS Fee Imposed by DHSC

Government has today announced that it has decided to impose another real-terms cut to the NHS sight test fee.

26 March 2024

Learn about upcoming committee meetings and CET events

Learn about upcoming committee meetings and CET events

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