News
Wet AMD Fax Referral Now Re-available.
November 2019
The recent problem with the wet AMD referral fax pathway has been addressed so that faxed referrals can again be sent.
It is preferable for all practices who have NHS.net accounts to use email referral and send secure referrals to : ghn-tr.AMDteam@nhs.net
This situation has highlighted the importance of optical practices having NHS.net addresses. ALL NHS FAX MACHINES WILL BE SWITCHED OFF BY 31st MARCH 2020.
The LOC strongly encourages all practices to ensure they will be able to offer their patients timely access to hospital care by using NHS.net. Please take action now before all fax machines are decommissioned.
Change to Rapid Access wAMD Service
October 2019
We have been advised by the wAMD booking team that they are receiving a large volume of referrals and therefore it has become difficult to call all patients within 48 hours to arrange an appointment.
From now on, patients will be sent an appointment letter via first class post, unless short notice appointments become available and thus a phone call is more appropriate. Therefore, we recommend that patients are advised that they will receive a letter within 5 working days of referral, if not they should contact the referring Optometrist for further advice. In these circumstances contact the ARMD Co-ordinator on 0300 4228533 to confirm the referral has been received.
The AMD team have confirmed that the two week wait for the appointment is still applicable, depending on demand and availability of clinics.
The Rapid Access Referral form is currently being updated to reflect this by the wAMD team and we will make it available via email and the LOC website in due course.
Gloucestershire Sight Loss Council
October 2019
A new publicity leaflet issued by Gloucestershire Sight Loss Council can be downloaded from our ‘Low Vision’ page, where you will also find the link to the website for Sight Loss Councils.
YAG Laser Referral Form Version 2
September 2019
A new version of the Direct Referral Form for patients requiring YAG capsulotomy is now available from our Documents page . This incorporates the change of Central Booking Office address. Please use this form from now on.
Wet AMD Referral Form Version 6.3
September 2019
Version 6.3 updates the e-mail address for secure nhs.net referral to ghn-tr.AMDteam@nhs.net
Please use this version from now on.
Central Booking Office Postal Address Change
April 2019
The Central Booking Office for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has moved since April 2019.
Any post that has been sent to the old address should have been forwarded and actioned – however it may be prudent to follow up for any patients that have not heard from the CBO.
The new address is;
8 Pulman Court
Great Western Road
Gloucester
GL1 3ND
Please use this address from now on.
Central Booking Office Fax Switch-Off
March 2019
The fax at the Central Booking Office (CBO) for GHNHSFT has been switched off since 1st March 2019. Routine referrals can still be made via the patient’s GP. If you have an NHS.net email address, you can use this to refer to CBO at ghn-tr.ophthalmologyappts@nhs.net (The general email address for the CBO is Ghn-tr.centralbooking@nhs.net)
Please note: The Fax switch off does not include the WetAMD direct referral.
This is still active – please make sure you use the fax number on the latest version of the Wet AMD referral form on this website -Version 6.3
‘Seeing Beyond the Eyes’ Low Vision Resource now available
December 2018
Visualise Training and Consultancy with the support of the Thomas Pocklington Trust have produced a free resource pack for health professionals. The ‘Seeing Beyond the Eyes’ resource pack includes a wide range of information to assist in the referral and support of the visually impaired. The pack can be obtained here.
Data Security and Protection Requirements
February 2018
LOCSU guidance on implementing the new data security and protection requirements is now available. Compliance is required by all providers of Eye Health Services under the NHS Standard Contract. The standards do not apply to GOS contracts.