Waiting list times for cataract surgery and appointments have been slashed, following a partnership set up to allow Guernsey residents to be treated at specialist UK eye care provider.
Since November 2024 when the scheme launched, Newmedica has completed 90 cataract surgeries and 136 outpatient appointments, with HSC covering the costs for those traveling off-island.
As the scheme closes, patients still awaiting cataract surgery will be seen by the Medical Specialist Group, which says it has increased its capacity to handle these cases.
Since the partnership with Newmedica launched the MSG recruited a new permanent Ophthalmologist and is set to fill another vacant position in August with two consultants job-sharing.
Dr Peter Rabey, Guernsey’s Medical Director, said: “I want to thank Newmedica for their assistance in helping to improve the overall Ophthalmology waiting list, both for outpatients and those needing operations. The feedback that we have had from patients who have been able to regain their independence has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We of course recognise there is some inconvenience for those patients who had their first consultation with Newmedica and will now have to repeat that appointment with the MSG. We apologise for that and will endeavour to make this transition as smooth as possible. We are working with the MSG to ensure many islanders with treatable sight conditions can get back to life as normal as soon as possible and want to reassure patients that they will receive the same high standard of care being seen by an on-island consultant.”
Deputy Marc Leadbeater, the Vice President of Health & Social Care, also said the scheme has been successful.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the patients who embraced the opportunity to be treated by another provider and provided positive feedback and encouragement to others.”
“The aim of this initiative was to improve the overall Ophthalmology waiting list and provide patient-centred care. The Committee is delighted the partnership with Newmedica has helped to achieve this aim within a short timeframe. We are committed to changing more patients’ lives faster and would support the implementation of similar schemes in future when appropriate funding is available.”
Patients who have already received a surgery date from Newmedica will continue to receive treatment in Southampton.
66 patients who have had initial assessments with the UK provider will now continue their treatment with MSG.
They will need to attend an additional outpatient appointment at the MSG before being listed for surgery. The MSG says staff aim to contact these patients within 2-4 weeks and apologises for any inconvenience.
A transition period is underway to transfer patients back to the MSG who have not yet received a surgery date from Newmedica.
A letter has been sent to affected patients explaining the next steps for each individual.
What do the numbers say?
Ophthalmology waiting lists have significantly reduced since November 2024.
The outpatient waiting list has reduced from 751 to 580 (-171), whilst the inpatient waiting list dropped from 136 to 129 (-7).
Dr Steve Evans, Chair of the MSG said the number of people waiting more than a year for an outpatient appointment has also decreased from 92 to 55 (-37).
“We are very pleased for the patients who have had surgery earlier than they would otherwise have done as a result of the initiative.
“At the same time, I am hugely grateful to the ophthalmology team at the MSG who have worked incredibly hard to reduce the number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment and waiting for surgery.
“Although the locum consultants who have cared for our patients over the past ten months have been first-rate, we are delighted that by August this year we will be back to having our full complement of four permanent surgeons in place.”
Doug Perkins, the Specsavers founder and director of Newmedica, said they’re delighted to have been able to help so many local patients.
“We have been incredibly grateful and proud to help the Guernsey community in this way. At HSC’s request, we created a new patient pathway at pace, including investing in establishing an on-island clinic, which has proved very effective with excellent patient outcomes. We are disappointed not to have the opportunity to continue this form of care to Guernsey patients beyond March. But our door will always be open if we can be of further support in the future.
“We wish HSC and the MSG all the best in their continuation of cataract treatment for the Guernsey community. Newmedica will continue to provide a full scope of eye care services privately in Guernsey as it does throughout the UK.”
