HSC hopes to cut cataract waiting times with UK surgery option

Friday 22 November 2024

Health & Social Care aims to address an increasing demand for ophthalmology services by offering an option to have surgery in the UK.

The committee is working with Newmedica to try and reduce the time islanders spend waiting for cataract surgery and outpatient appointments.

In July, the Medical Specialist Group (MSG) introduced a communal waiting list, which allows patients to choose between consultants with shorter wait times or their preferred consultant. However, times for initial outpatient appointments remain significant, as of 8 November 92 people had been waiting over a year.

To alleviate this, HSC says they will offer patients the option to have cataract surgery in Southampton through Newmedica. 

Patients where treatment in the UK may not be suitable, or those who choose to opt out, will be treated locally by the MSG.

Pictured: The Princess Elizabeth Hospital and Medical Specialist Group will both be working closely with NewMedica to try and tackle waiting times.

Dr Peter Rabey, Guernsey’s Medical Director, said: “We are pleased to be working with Newmedica to tackle long waits in Ophthalmology, both for outpatients and those needing operations. This is a jointinitiative between HSC and MSG, and some patients will start to receive invitations in the near future. 

“The experience of Jersey patients, where they recently ran a similar scheme, has been overwhelmingly positive, and we expect Guernsey patients who choose to take up this option will have a similarly positive experience.”

HSC President Deputy Al Brouard praised their new partners: “This is the most cost-effective method to provide patient-centred care in a timely way. We are committed to changing more patients’ lives faster.

“Newmedica has excellent post-operative outcomes and patients choosing this option can be reassured they will receive the same high standard of care had they continued to wait until they could be seen by an on-island consultant.”

Newmedica Managing Director Rebecca Lythe said the new partnership is fantastic news for islanders awaiting treatment: “Together we will dramatically reduce the waiting time for cataracts treatment to ensure many islanders with treatable sight conditions can get back to life as normal as soon as possible.

“Guernsey patients opting to have their cataracts surgery in Southampton will be home within 36 hours and then have any after care they need back on the island, with the support of local opticians’ practices. We are fully committed to working with all on-island providers to ensure the best possible care. This partnership is fantastic news for Guernsey patients.”

HSC will cover the costs of the surgery, flights, and accommodation for those traveling to off-island.