Question reference: S5W-36069
- Asked by: Lewis Macdonald, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 11 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 29 April 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the availability and capacity of (a) the ophthalmic surgeon workforce and (b) the facilities required to carry out cataract surgery.
Answer
The ophthalmic surgeon workforce capacity has been largely unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In line with guidance issued by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a risk stratification process has been introduced to ensure that patients at most risk of permanent sight loss are prioritised for treatment. In addition, we continue to explore all options to increase the number of surgical procedures that can be safely undertaken including reviewing the current capacity and available workforce to deliver treatments.
NHS Scotland is making every effort to undertake a higher volume of cataract surgery, which has continued throughout the pandemic. The new eye centre at the NHS Golden Jubilee has been utilised and will continue to provide support throughout 2021-22 within the necessary safe working parameters.