Again respondents were offered an opportunity to explain the rationale behind their response.388 respondents completed this question. Common themes where: Those who agreed with the proposal believed it would reduce waiting times for patients, and ease pressure on hospitals. sense to go to the opticians rather than people waiting and the “Common added anxiety of going back to hospital” to access location. More familiar with staff and therefore less stressful “Easier - more likely to see same person. Less waiting time. Free up hospital time for complex cases.” 20 respondents (2 who answered 4 who answered sure” and 14 who “yes”, “not answered mentioned in their reply that they were worried this service change “no”) was privatisation of NHS services. will contribute to the accelerating pace of NHS privatisation and divert “It necessary funds away from St Pauls” am concerned this becoming a mechanism by which charges could be “I introduced for the appointments on the basis of them not falling under NHS control, thereby dismantling the NHS.” 19 respondents, (13 who answered sure”, 5 who answered and one who “not “no” answered expressed concern that the opticians would be adequately qualified, “yes”) competent and equipped to carry out the follow up appointments. not sufficiently aware of the level of medical training required for this or to “I'm what level opticians are trained to.” someone who has had ongoing difficulties since a cataract operation I “As wonder whether community opticians would have been able to have the relevant equipment and expertise to make a quick diagnosis.” 3.5 Question 5 - potential barriers to access In order to identify potential unexpected implications for the proposed redesign, respondents were asked if there was anything that would prevent them from using the Cataract assessment or follow up service at a community optician. The vast majority of respondents, 76% (n=521), did not feel there was anything that would prevent them from using the service. Figure 7 Potential Barriers to access –
Again respondents were offered an opportunity to explain the rationale behind their response.388 respondents completed this question. Common themes where: Those who agreed with the proposal believed it would reduce waiting times for patients, and ease pressure on hospitals. “Common sense to go to the opticians rather than people waiting and the added anxiety of going back to hospital” “Easier to access location. More familiar with staff and therefore less stressful - more likely to see same person. Less waiting time. Free up hospital time for complex cases.” 20 respondents (2 who answered “yes”, 4 who answered “not sure” and 14 who answered “no”) mentioned in their reply that they were worried this service change was privatisation of NHS services. “It will contribute to the accelerating pace of NHS privatisation and divert necessary funds away from St Pauls” “I am concerned this becoming a mechanism by which charges could be introduced for the appointments on the basis of them not falling under NHS control, thereby dismantling the NHS.” 19 respondents, (13 who answered “not sure”, 5 who answered “no” and one who answered “yes”) expressed concern that the opticians would be adequately qualified, competent and equipped to carry out the follow up appointments. “I'm not sufficiently aware of the level of medical training required for this or to what level opticians are trained to.” “As someone who has had ongoing difficulties since a cataract operation I wonder whether community opticians would have been able to have the relevant equipment and expertise to make a quick diagnosis.” 3.5 Question 5 - potential barriers to access In order to identify potential unexpected implications for the proposed redesign, respondents were asked if there was anything that would prevent them from using the Cataract assessment or follow up service at a community optician. The vast majority of respondents, 76% (n=521), did not feel there was anything that would prevent them from using the service. Figure 7 – Potential Barriers to access
cataract-engagement-report-final-version.docx