09 June 2023

FODO member update - 9 June

This week:

• Consequential transfer of primary care complaints function in England to ICBs
• Changes to optometry training
• Consultation: apprenticeship standard for DOs
• Other sector news
• Health policy news

Consequential transfer of primary care complaints function in England to ICBs

As members know, under the Health and Social Care Act 2022, the functions of hosting primary care contracts (including GOS contracts) in England have moved from NHS England to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
 
As part of that transfer, the NHS complaints functions will also move from NHS England to ICBs from 1 July 2023.
 
Members providing GOS in England already have NHS complaints procedures in place, including how to complain to the practice in the first instance (where most complaints are resolved) and an explanation of how to contact the NHS if the complainant is happy with the outcome or handling of the complaint.
 
This situation will NOT change. Members of the public will still be able to make a complaint to their provider first. The only change is that from 1 July, if people want to make a complaint to the NHS, they must contact their local ICB rather than NHS England.
 
Information about how patients can make complaints is expected to be available on ICB/primary care websites and to be shared widely with GOS providers by ICBs shortly. 

Changes to optometry training

The GOC's new Education and Training Requirements (ETR) mean optometry and optical education is changing. The College of Optometrists and FODO have commented on the latest developments. Read more. 

Consultation: apprenticeship standard for DOs

A trailblazer group has, together with ABDO, developed a Level 6 ophthalmic dispensing apprenticeship standard.
 
ABDO said it "is confident the apprenticeship route will meet the same end point assessment standard as currently achieved", and that "there has never before been such a good prospect for funding DO training for all employers. This will cover the majority of ophthalmic dispensing course and examination fees and will help to support the profession across the optical sector".
 
ABDO and FODO are encouraging everybody to learn more and participate in the consultation, which closes on 30 July. 

Other sector news

• Professor Bernard Gilmartin FCOptom is the latest recipient of the College's prestigious President's Medal for a lifetime's contribution to optometry. Learn more.
• Following a recent cyber incident involving Capita, a document containing limited optometry information for two patients was accessed. NHS England has reported this as a data breach to the Information Commissioners' Office. Read more.
• Ex AOP CEO Henrietta Alderman awarded Peter Yeo Medal. Read more.

Health policy news

The HSJ reports Julian Kelly, NHS England's chief finance officer, has said he has more confidence in financial plans set by ICSs this year and that the NHS cannot ask providers to deliver any more on efficiency. It also reports that ICBs are facing 'an average efficiency rate of nearly six per cent in the current year' and that Mr Kelly has warned that pushing for more would 'hit' performance and could affect patients.