This session focused on how the CLEAR methodology was used to tackle challenges in ophthalmic services at the Sussex Eye Hospital which was facing significant pressure because of the impact of COVID-19, workforce challenges and an ageing population. Demand was outstripping capacity, leading to long waits for consultations and surgery. More than 7,000 patients were on the glaucoma waiting list with many waiting more than a year for a first outpatient appointment.
The national CLEAR team worked closely with clinicians at the hospital reviewing glaucoma, cataracts, and medical retina services and recommended new models of care and ways of working to increase theatre productivity and clear the backlog of patients waiting for cataract surgery and glaucoma procedures. The forecase impact if implemented was £2 million in productivity savings, the clearing of waiting list backlogs, improved patient care and staff morale, recruitment, and retention.
Speakers:
Dr. Eve Corner MBE, CLEAR Ophthalmology Project Clinical Lead
Lissa Mcmanus, Project Lead, Ophthalmology, NHS Sussex
