Professional Matters Optometry & Dispensing
AOP responds to Amanda Pritchard resignation & Breaking NHS News
AOP responds to Amanda Pritchard resignation
AOP calls for NHS England leadership to embrace the Government’s three big shifts for healthcare, putting primary care at the centre
Amanda Pritchard will step down as NHS England Chief Executive at the end of the month, as Secretary of State, Wes Streeting, leads an overhaul of the NHS.
Responding to the announcement, Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of the Association of Optometrists (AOP) said:
“The NHS is undeniably at a critical juncture. We have heard from the Secretary of State and Lord Darzi that the NHS is broken and needs fixing urgently. We face a growing crisis of longer waiting lists, staff shortages and increasingly stretched resources. But we also know this is a moment where real change can happen, with clear consensus around the Government’s three big shifts in health – including the critical role of primary care providers.
“Delivering the 10-Year Health Plan, alongside the Spending Review, will be crucial in shaping the future of the healthcare system. Optometrists are ready to play a larger, more enhanced role in a transformed and integrated primary care service. Findings from our commissioned PA Consulting report demonstrate that community optometry already provides huge value to the NHS, and can deliver even more if utilised consistently, across the UK to alleviate pressure on GPs and hospitals, cut wait times, as well as preventative care that enables better eye health outcomes for the public.
“Structural reform will be vital if we are really to see a shift in focus from hospital to community, and to a model of preventative health. We, alongside the pharmacists, dentists, and GPs, look forward to working collaboratively with NHS England, under the leadership of interim CEO Jim Mackey, to deliver on this vision and the Government’s priorities for the NHS.”
Breaking News
6th March .
NHS medical director becomes second health chief to quit in a week
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the organisation’s national medical director, has announced that he will step down this summer, after more than seven years in the role.
