A local Practice Plus Group Plymouth hospital is launching a two-month ‘mega’ drive to push down NHS waiting lists and treat as many cataract patients as possible.
With the number of people in England waiting to start routine hospital treatment now at a record high of over seven million, with one of the largest areas of referrals coming from ophthalmology, Practice Plus Group Hospital Plymouth has responded by tackling the waiting lists for their cataracts, one of the nation’s most common hospital procedures.
Cataracts can be easily treated, make a huge difference to quality of life and it is known that early referral and treatment can result in a better outcome, so Practice Plus Group Plymouth created their Mega Months to get their waiting lists moving.
Usually, the hospital treats on average 56 NHS cataract patients over a one month period, but during the hospital’s first Mega Month in May, they have seen over 240 NHS cataract patients, which has required careful planning.
Sarah Fell, hospital director, said:
“We want to drive down the patient waiting times for cataracts and felt this was an achievable target with the staff and facilities we have. The team are so positive and are working really hard to make this happen.“
With June being Cataract Awareness Month too, it has been the perfect opportunity for everyone to get involved and we have been promoting how important early treatment of cataracts can be.” Practice Plus Group is increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of cataracts with a number of events, resources and education sessions for carers and professionals around the country throughout June.
Adrian Peake, who works for Practice Plus Group as operational director, put off having cataract surgery for three years before finally taking the plunge in October 2021.
Adrian said:
“Having surgery on your eye is obviously not something anyone wants to have done. Even with my total faith in my colleagues, I felt fearful and actually put it off for three years. I love reading and I just didn’t read.
“When I did finally have the surgery, I wished I’d done it so much earlier. It took just six minutes and for me the results were immediate. Don’t underestimate the difference it will make to your life.”
For more information on the signs and symptoms of cataracts, visit
www.practiceplusgroup.com/knowledge-hub/spot-first-signs-of-cataracts/
Treatment is available on the NHS or privately and nobody should delay seeking advice if they are experiencing symptoms of cataracts.
