WAQ77183 (e) Tabled on 20/09/2018

Why has the Welsh Government decided to invest £4 million in transforming eye care services across Wales when it is unclear how the money will be allocated, and will the Cabinet Secretary clarify what the target waiting time for treatment after referral will be for eye care patients?

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services | Answered on 28/09/2018

The Welsh Government, the Planned Care Programme, NHS Wales and the RNIB have been working together to support the implementation and shadow reporting of a new outcome measure for all eye care patients. Health boards will be required to implement the new outcome measure from September 2018, along with the existing referral to treatment target.

 

The referral to treatment target for all new referrals remains at 26 weeks.

 

The decision to provide additional investment over the next 18 months is to ensure sustainability for health boards services for the benefit of patients. Any funding made available to health boards will ensure that the necessary services are developed and the required pathway changes implemented, such as the expansion of services within the community or primary care.

 

Organisations have been invited to submit a bid for funding which will be scrutinised by an assessment panel chaired by Dr Graham Shortland in October 2018, before recommendations are made to the Welsh Government. Clear guidance on the use of this additional investment was given to health board last week.