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 …
Continue reading “MHRA issues advice on PPE and heat stress”
6 August 2021
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 …
Continue reading “College updates its Amber phase guidance”
25 July 2021
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 …
Continue reading “Reviewed guidance on PPE/IPC”
14 July 2021
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
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, …
Continue reading “Vacancy for LOC secretary”
30 June 2021
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 …
Continue reading “Cataract waiting times”
28 June 2021
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
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 …
Continue reading “Send secure emails without an NHS Mail account”
23 May 2021
LOCSU have shared the latest edition of our bi-weekly bulletin, including useful information, guidance for LOCs, new resources, and important signposting.
10 June 2026
LOCSU is calling on eye care to be integral to the planning and prevention of frailty after a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report found overloaded GPs could not adequately carry out the necessary assessments.
9 June 2026
The Government’s announcement of glaucoma guidance and the planned roll-out of a national Electronic Referral Service (ERS) for eye care in England and access to the National Care Records Service (NCRS) are built on good intentions and long overdue.
9 June 2026
