In this fast changing climate of the Health Service it is crucial that thinking develops centered around patients, and outcomes. Only when we engage with our patients and their agents, the Commissioners, will we be able to think of new ways of designing services such that more efficient ways of working develop. New ways of working will release funds so that new treatments can be implemented. Currently systems and incentives are in place that could be interpreted as perverse incentives, that will inhibit genuine redesign of services. Any new service design needs to be supported by open and transparent financial and clinical governance foundations.

The Association thinks that teams working across the traditional primary and secondary care boundaries will be able to deliver this. Clear clinical accountability lines must be present, and clear financial agreements must be in place for proper integrated care to be delivered.
Working in isolation in primary care is therefore not a good example of properly integrated care. There are currently some models being introduced around long terms conditions that do not provide better use of resources, and will therefore not release the necessary cash for new developments and different demands for services.

An important starting point for open discussions is our Clinical Guide to Commissioning Ophthalmic Care. This will ensure that agreements will be reached that are clinically and financially sensible.

A Clinical Guide to Commissioning Ophthalmic Care Download Here