Rochdale sight-saving service receives first ever CQC Outstanding grade

Mrs Beryl Burke and Wet AMD nurse Lynn Ford

Rochdale Ophthalmology Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service (CATS) has been named as the first specialist ophthalmology service in the country to receive an outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission.

Following a detailed inspection and interviews with patients, the CQC inspectors praised the centre’s fast-track 48-hour service - from referral to treatment - for the vast majority of patients with Wet AMD. The fast-track includes a ‘one-stop-shop’ facility, where appropriate patients undergo their injections at their first appointment, reducing the likelihood of any further deterioration of vision.

The ophthalmology consultant who is the medical director for the service, Karen Goodall, said: “The fear of losing one’s sight is profound. Patients come to us at a time in their life when they are feeling particularly vulnerable. We work to ensure they have the support and understanding they need and we know, from their feedback, how much they appreciate it.

“We are delighted we have achieved the CQC’s highest rating. The service really is pioneering. It is no exaggeration to say our fast-track service, which the report describes as an area of outstanding practice, has helped to save people’s sight

Inspectors also noted the service was well planned, with patients’ individual needs central to the planning and delivery of care and treatment. Inspectors said: “The service proactively forward-planned up to 12 months in advance to ensure sufficient surgical sessions and clinics were scheduled to meet demand.”

This has led to the service offering cataract surgery within three weeks of initial consultation, compared to the NHS indicator of 18 week from referrals to treatment, which is proving popular with local NHS patients.