LOCSU Bids Farewell to Longest-Serving Board Member, David Hewlett

The LOCSU team are saying farewell to David Hewlett after 17 years on the LOCSU board, and welcome to FODO CEO Harjit Sandhu who replaces David on the board.

David played an integral role in the development of LOCSU and has been a part of the board since it was established in 2007.

Talking of when LOCSU was formed, David said: “The then three CEOs of AOP, ABDO and FODO – Bob Hughes, Tony Garrett and I – set off across the country on an odyssey of roadshows (using members’ and university premises) to put the idea of a new support unit to LOCs – even having to spend one Valentine’s night together on the road whilst oblivious couples billed and cooed all around us!

“This was truly a joint sector enterprise and, at the end of the tour, LOCs voted by a majority to set up LOCSU to support all LOCs.”

Over the years, David has been a strong and committed supporter to LOCs and the LOCSU team.

“I have very much enjoyed my time at LOCSU and it has been a great privilege to support LOCs on local issues, protecting GOS from inappropriate overloading and in expanding enhanced services to meet local needs.

“There have been many collective LOCSU achievements along the way – common IT and data collection system, PECs and PES, ‘off the shelf’ pathways, commissioning support, WOPEC training, training in core LOC functions, NOCs and the necessary expansion into enhanced services.

“Perhaps one achievement I would single out is the leadership development programme. Seeing the need and having come originally from  the higher education sector, I was pleased to be able to pitch this to the Board to fill a gap in developing the local talent which abounds in this sector, and to bring on the sector leaders of the future. That this was successful can be in no doubt given the large number of alumni now working on behalf of us all in various positions.

“However, returning to the ‘now’, Joy, Janice, the new Board and team still have quite a task on their hands to align LOC support with the new NHS landscape post the Health and Care Act 2022 which is still being implemented, and in responding to any new opportunities at local level flowing from the recent change of government.”

David added: “Working together is key and I salute everyone who volunteers their time to serve on LOCs, on ICB engagement groups, on regional and national groups, and at LOCSU, and wish you every success in helping primary eye care flourish and meet the needs of patients in every community over the next 20 years.”

Joy Tweed, LOCSU Chair, said: “David has been an integral part of the LOCSU team since it was founded back in 2007 and has made many significant contributions over the years both at board and local level. On behalf of the whole team and Board, I’d like to thank David for everything he’s done for LOCs and LOCSU and wish him all the best for the future.”