PCT responds to Opthalmology Assessment Service questions

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Heywood, Middleton amp; Rochdale Primary Care Trust (HMRPCT) has answered questions being asked about the tendering process for the Opthalmology Assessment Service. Chris Wright, Head of Corporate Services said: "No contract has been let for services and the matter remains commercially confidential at this stage.  We will be making an announcement through the appropriate channels at the appropriate time and will be reporting to the HOSC at the end of November. 

"The service which was issued for tender was for the Opthalmology Assessment Service only and not Opthalmic Surgery (the OJEU Notice is in the public domain already for scrutiny). 

"In terms of the overall process, the PCT has strictly followed EU Procurement Regulations under the scrutiny of the local NHS Commissioning Business Service.  Compliance with these regulations will continue until the contract is awarded."

Mr Wright also said there appears to be some misunderstanding in relation to Clinical Assessment amp; Treatment Services (CATS). He explained: "These services are about improving access for patients and making sure they are seen by the appropriate person at the right time.  Currently only 1 in 4 patients referred for out-patient appointments in hospitals need treatment.  CATs Services are being introduced to prevent unnecessary appointments at hospitals.  CATs will help provide care closer to home without the need to go to hospital and will benefit patients by ensuring that there is the capacity in the system to achieve the maximum 18 week wait from initial referral to treatment by freeing hospitals up to do what they do best – giving treatment to patients. 

"CATS will not remove the patient's right to choose where they are seen or treated.  All patients should be offered options by their GPs when being referred - this will usually be a choice of various hospital providers or other providers (including CATs) where appropriate."