Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 

Whinney Heys Road
Blackpool
FY3 8NR

Tel: 01253 300000
Email: bfwh.eyesecretaries@nhs.net 
Website: https://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/

*** From Monday 23rd May 2022 WET AMD should be sent to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals via Opera  ***

(Note: you can still use the below pathway if you have yet to complete onboarding to Opera)

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is involved in the management and treatment of wet AMD.  In order for referrals to be accurately processed the hospital uses this wet AMD referral form. This will ensures that referrals for wet AMD are standardised to prevent delay.

Practitioners are asked to use NHS.net email for referrals and flag the email as high priority.  If your practice does not yet have an nhs.net account please contact the LOC Secretary for advice on how to obtain one.

Referrals must not be sent via the CHEC online portal.

Please note that any co-pathology (e.g. glaucoma) should be referred separately.

Fylde Coast Single Point of Access

Blackpool Office                                                             
The Stadium                                                                    
Seasiders Way                                                                 
Blackpool                                                                          
FY1 6JX                                                                             

Website: www.blackpoolccg.nhs.uk
Email: blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net
Orthoptist General Enquiries:  bfwh.orthoptics@nhs.net

Fylde & Wyre Office
NHS Wesham Offices
Derby Road
Wesham
PR4 3AL

Website: www.fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk
Email: blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net

*** From Monday 23rd May 2022 Routine Referrals for Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre patients should be sent to the Single Point of Access (SPA) via Opera***

*** For out of area patients wishing to be seen in this area please choose the preferred provider as the end point and not the SPA ***

(Note: you can still use the below pathway if you have yet to complete onboarding to Opera)

All routine referrals for patients with a Blackpool, Fylde or Wyre GP should be sent to the CCG’s Single Point of Access (SPA) team.

Remember that with ‘routine’ you should assume it will be up to 3 months before the patient is seen so for anything more urgent you should follow the urgent/emergency pathway.

All referrals to the SPA should be completed using the new Ophthalmology Referral Template. Please use this template in preference to any other format (eg. GOS18) and email to the SPA team, in .pdf, word or .jpeg format, using an NHS.net account. You will receive a confirmation email to indicate your referral is being processed or a return email advising the referral needs amending and resending.

Use of the above template is strongly recommended. It will assist the process of uploading the referrals to the NHS Electronic Referral System (eRS). Using different formats will slow down processing and increase opportunities for error and omissions. If you are unable to use the template, please ensure all the information requested is included in your referral.

NHS Numbers significantly improve speed and accuracy of referral processing, making it safer for our patients. While optical practices do not currently routinely collect NHS numbers, including them in the referral makes an enormous difference. Patients can find their NHS number by the following methods:

• Any prescription copy from the GP, Covid-19 vaccination letters, My GP appt on their smartphone
• www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number – will instantly text the NHS number to a mobile phone

Please consider if your practice could collect and record NHS numbers as part of patient registration or booking procedures.

Referrals may be rejected if they are incomplete. The CCG and SPA wish to work with optical practices to implement a safe and efficient system and we will provide support and feedback during the early stages. Please be aware that it may be necessary to reject referrals if insufficient information is provided to enable accurate processing.

Please do not hesitate to call 01253 201878 (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm), email fw.ccg@nhs.net or email the SPA Team blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net should you require further information on this service.

Blackpool Victoria Hospital

(Emergency Same Day Only)

Whinney Heys Road
Blackpool
FY3 8NR

Switchboard: 01253 300000 (ask for On-Call)
Email: bfwh.eyecasualty@nhs.net

Fylde Coast Single Point of Access

(Urgent within 2 weeks)

Blackpool Office                                                             
The Stadium                                                                    
Seasiders Way                                                                 
Blackpool                                                                          
FY1 6JX                                                                             

Website: www.blackpoolccg.nhs.uk
Email: blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net

Fylde & Wyre Office
NHS Wesham Offices
Derby Road
Wesham
PR4 3AL

Website: www.fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk
Email: blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net

*** From Monday 23rd May 2022 Urgent Referrals for Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre patients should be sent to the Single Point of Access (SPA) via Opera***

**Emergency referrals should be sent to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals via Opera**

* Out of area patients wishing to be seen in this area please choose the preferred provider as the end point and not the SPA *

(Note: you can still use the below pathway if you have yet to complete onboarding to Opera)

All urgent (within 2 weeks) referrals for patients with a Blackpool, Fylde or Wyre GP should be sent to the CCG’s Single Point of Access (SPA) team.

• for 2 week wait suspected cancer referrals follow the wet AMD pathway and email bfwh.eyesecretaries@nhs.net
• for same day emergency referrals ring Blackpool Victoria Switchboard and ask for the On-Call Ophthalmologist.

All referrals to the SPA should be completed using the new Ophthalmology Referral Template. Please use this template in preference to any other format (eg. GOS18) and email to the SPA team , in .pdf, word or .jpeg format, using an NHS.net account. You will receive a confirmation email to indicate your referral is being processed or a return email advising the referral needs amending and resending.

Use of the above template is strongly recommended. It will assist the process of uploading the referrals to the NHS Electronic Referral System (eRS). Using different formats will slow down processing and increase opportunities for error and omissions. If you are unable to use the template, please ensure all the information requested is included in your referral.

NHS Numbers significantly improve speed and accuracy of referral processing, making it safer for our patients. While optical practices do not currently routinely collect NHS numbers, including them in the referral makes an enormous difference. Patients can find their NHS number by the following methods:

• Any prescription copy from the GP, Covid-19 vaccination letters, My GP appt on their smartphone
• www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number – will instantly text the NHS number to a mobile phone

Please consider if your practice could collect and record NHS numbers as part of patient registration or booking procedures.

Referrals may be rejected if they are incomplete. The CCG and SPA wish to work with optical practices to implement a safe and efficient system and we will provide support and feedback during the early stages. Please be aware that it may be necessary to reject referrals if insufficient information is provided to enable accurate processing.

Please do not hesitate to call 01253 201878 (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm), email fw.ccg@nhs.net or email the SPA Team blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net should you require further information on this service.

Fylde Coast Single Point of Access

Blackpool Office                                                             
The Stadium                                                                    
Seasiders Way                                                                 
Blackpool                                                                          
FY1 6JX                                                                             

Website: www.blackpoolccg.nhs.uk
Email: blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net

Fylde & Wyre Office
NHS Wesham Offices
Derby Road
Wesham
PR4 3AL

Website: www.fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk
Email: blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net

*** From Monday 23rd May 2022 Cataract Referrals for Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre patients should be sent to the Single Point of Access (SPA) via Opera***

*** For out of area patients wishing to be seen in this area please choose the preferred provider as the end point and not the SPA ***

(Note: you can still use the below pathway if you have yet to complete onboarding to Opera & currently there is no change to how you submit and receive post cataract reports)

All cataract referrals for patients with a Blackpool, Fylde or Wyre GP should be sent to the CCG’s Single Point of Access (SPA) team.

All referrals to the SPA should be completed using the new Ophthalmology Referral Template. Please use this template in preference to any other format (eg. GOS18) and email to the SPA team , in .pdf, word or .jpeg format, using an NHS.net account. You will receive a confirmation email to indicate your referral is being processed or a return email advising the referral needs amending and resending.

Use of the above template is strongly recommended. It will assist the process of uploading the referrals to the NHS Electronic Referral System (eRS). Using different formats will slow down processing and increase opportunities for error and omissions. If you are unable to use the template, please ensure all the information requested is included in your referral.

Patient Choice regarding surgical providers for cataract surgery will take place with the SPA team and is recorded for audit purposes. Please do not have the choice discussion with the patient or note a preferred provider on the referral form.

NHS Numbers significantly improve speed and accuracy of referral processing, making it safer for our patients. While optical practices do not currently routinely collect NHS numbers, including them in the referral makes an enormous difference. Patients can find their NHS number by the following methods:

• Any prescription copy from the GP, Covid-19 vaccination letters, My GP appt on their smartphone
• www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number – will instantly text the NHS number to a mobile phone

Please consider if your practice could collect and record NHS numbers as part of patient registration or booking procedures.

Referrals may be rejected if they are incomplete. The CCG and SPA wish to work with optical practices to implement a safe and efficient system and we will provide support and feedback during the early stages. Please be aware that it may be necessary to reject referrals if insufficient information is provided to enable accurate processing.

Please do not hesitate to call 01253 201878 (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm), email fw.ccg@nhs.net or email the SPA Team blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net should you require further information on this service.

Post Cataract Service

Only accredited practitioners accredited can provide post operative cataract checks.

CHEC Post Cataract Providers List – updated 01/03/2021

SpaMedica Post Cat– Preston

Urgent Queries (On call clinical team available 24/7): 0330 058 4280  – 24hr/365 days helpline for patients & optometrists . 

Non urgent Queries: Please reach out your local Service Promotions Executive.

• Blackpool area – Hannah Waugh, Service Promotions Executive – 07749 719 584 / Hannah.Waugh@spamedica.co.uk

• Leanne Durante: Regional Promotions Manager for North England – 07535 407 600 / Leanne.Durante@spamedica.co.uk)

Based locally and available for store/practice visits, hospital tours, local CPD event information and any patient/optometrist queries

• Contact Centre also available on – 0330 058 4280 – 8am to 6pm for Referral Team, Booking Team, Transport Team & Post-op Team.

CHEC Post Cat – Blackpool

Urgent queries (24h emergency careline): 0344 264 4162. This helpline is for both Patients & Optometrists. 

Non urgent queries: Please contact your local NHS Partnership Executive Kirsty Serdiville – M: 07742 875332 E: kirsty.s@chec.uk  

Our contact centre is available on: 0344 264 4160. This number is for our referral, booking and patient transport team. Open Monday – Friday 8am to 6pm, and Saturday 8am to 4pm.
Live chat is available on our website – please visit www.chec.uk.

Other useful contact emails:

Customer Services: customerservices@chec.uk
Engagement Team: engagement@chec.uk

Covid-19 Urgent Eyecare Services

COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES service) delivered by Primary Eye Care Service launched in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre in August 2020.

The aim of CUES is to ensure people can access urgent eyecare within primary care during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Presenting conditions will typically include :-

• a red or painful eye
• foreign body
• sudden change in vision
• flashes or floaters

Access to the service is restricted to telephone booking only to:

• Identify people with Covid-19 symptoms, at risk/self-isolating people to signpost to appropriate services.
• Offer telephone/video consultation and self-care advice or provide signed orders remotely, where appropriate
• Offer face to face appointments with optometrist following telephone/video consultations for those who are presenting with urgent and higher risk symptoms (observing PPE guidance and social distancing advice)
• Signpost to emergency services, as appropriate

FIND A PRACTICE

The list of accredited optical practices currently providing the service is available on the Primary Eyecare Website using the ‘Find a Practice’ tool. This shows the most up to date information.

Please signpost any patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of an urgent eye condition to a nearby participating CUES practice – DO NOT  send to A&E/Eye Emergency/GP.

If you have any queries about the service please contact one of the area lead below

Timothy.Bagot@primaryeyecare.co.uk

There is currently no MECS service in this area.  See ‘CUES’ or ‘Urgent Referrals’ sections for advice on how to refer.

Fylde Coast Single Point of Access

Blackpool Office                                                             
The Stadium                                                                    
Seasiders Way                                                                 
Blackpool                                                                          
FY1 6JX                                                                             

Website: www.blackpoolccg.nhs.uk
Email: blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net

Fylde & Wyre Office
NHS Wesham Offices
Derby Road
Wesham
PR4 3AL

Website: www.fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk
Email: blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net

*** From Monday 23rd May 2022 GRR Referrals for Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre patients should be sent to the Single Point of Access (SPA) via Opera***

*** For out of area patients wishing to be seen in this area please choose the preferred provider as the end point and not the SPA ***

(Note: you can still use the below pathway if you have yet to complete onboarding to Opera)

All routine referrals for patients with a Blackpool, Fylde or Wyre GP should be sent to the CCG’s Single Point of Access (SPA) team.

Remember that with ‘routine’ you should assume it will be up to 3 months before the patient is seen so for anything more urgent you should follow the urgent/emergency pathway.

All referrals to the SPA should be completed using the new Ophthalmology Referral Template. Please use this template in preference to any other format (eg. GOS18) and email to the SPA team , in .pdf, word or .jpeg format, using an NHS.net account. You will receive a confirmation email to indicate your referral is being processed or a return email advising the referral needs amending and resending.

Use of the above template is strongly recommended. It will assist the process of uploading the referrals to the NHS Electronic Referral System (eRS). Using different formats will slow down processing and increase opportunities for error and omissions. If you are unable to use the template, please ensure all the information requested is included in your referral.

NHS Numbers significantly improve speed and accuracy of referral processing, making it safer for our patients. While optical practices do not currently routinely collect NHS numbers, including them in the referral makes an enormous difference. Patients can find their NHS number by the following methods:

• Any prescription copy from the GP, Covid-19 vaccination letters, My GP appt on their smartphone
• www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number – will instantly text the NHS number to a mobile phone

Please consider if your practice could collect and record NHS numbers as part of patient registration or booking procedures.

Referrals may be rejected if they are incomplete. The CCG and SPA wish to work with optical practices to implement a safe and efficient system and we will provide support and feedback during the early stages. Please be aware that it may be necessary to reject referrals if insufficient information is provided to enable accurate processing.

Please do not hesitate to call 01253 201878 (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm), email fw.ccg@nhs.net or email the SPA Team blackpool.fyldecoastspateam@nhs.net should you require further information on this service.

Emergencies must get referred on the day to Blackpool Victoria Hospital (see the Urgent pathway for details).

These services are commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and will be provided by local optical practices via the optometry federation and Primary Eyecare Services Ltd (PES) with the support of the Local Optical Committee (see list of accredited practices).

It is for patients registered with a GP practice in the following CCGs:
 

• Morecambe Bay
• Blackpool
• Fylde & Wyre
• Greater Preston
• East Lancashire
• West Lancashire
• Chorley and South Ribble
• Blackburn with Darwen

The purpose of the Learning disabilities and autism Eye Care Pathway is to increase the number of sight tests in patients diagnosed with learning disabilities and autism.

People with learning disabilities and autism are ten times more likely to have eye problems but are less likely to receive timely and appropriate care, than the rest of the population.

This commissioned service is a service with reasonable adjustments for someone who would not be able to use a standard eye test. This includes pre-appointment visits, completion of a functional vision assessment if needed, longer appointment time with an accredited practitioner in learning disabilities and autism and feedback forms completed by the optometrist. The results of the examination are reported using the agreed appropriate format. Only accredited practitioners (optometrists or OMPs) would provide this service.

The orthoptist team at Blackpool Victoria Hospital are keen to support optometrists and can be contacted at bfwh.orthoptics@nhs.net
 

If a Practice wants to provide these services, what should they do?

Practices that wish to deliver this service will need to complete the expression of interest form linked here EOI PwLD NHSE

Already on OPERA?

Once the practice has expressed an interest on the above form, this will provide PES with the required information to enable practices access to the service modules as they go live. Practices will need to ensure that their practitioners have uploaded their WOPEC certificates to their practitioner profile so they can deliver the services. Not sure how to do this – guide linked here.

No WOPEC certification?

If you have practitioners that haven’t delivered these services previously, and therefore have no certification to date, they will need to complete the WOPEC accreditation for the service. All practices who wish to deliver the services must ensure that the optometrists complete the Local Optical Committee Support Unit Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (LOCSU/WOPEC) training and accreditation programme for patients with learning disabilities and autism. 

Not signed up to OPERA?

If the Practice has completed the expression of interest but has not registered on the OPERA platform to date, please read the guide linked Practice Onboarding – OPERA (optom-referrals.org) and onboard your practice. The Practice will need to complete this process and be approved by PES. Once this has been completed, they too will gain access to the service module once the service goes live in their area, and they can then register their practitioners to enable service delivery using Inviting a Practitioner to access your Practice Opera account – OPERA (optom-referrals.org) guidance.

 
If you require any further information or have any queries regarding the service, please contact us on our hello@referral.support email address and a member of our team will be in touch.

The following page details the Low Vision, ECLO, Voluntary and Statutory services available in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre.

None of these resources require someone to be registered Sight Impaired / Severely Sight Impaired in order to receive assistance.

Low Vision Service: A clinically informed evaluation of the impact of sight loss on an individual and identification of a variety of strategies to meet the resulting challenges. Making best use of remaining vision using magnifiers, lighting, visual aids, and sight training strategies.

Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO): The link between primary and secondary care clinical services and non-clinical support services for people with sight loss. ECLO’s provide emotional support, practical advice, impartial information, guidance, and advocacy and connect with other community resources.

Local Council: Statutory support and rehabilitation via Rehabilitation Officers for the Visually Impaired (ROVIs).

Voluntary & Community Organisations: Charities and other groups that provide a wide range of support services.

N-Vision Low Vision Centre

Bosworth Place
Squires Gate
Blackpool
FY4 1SH

Phone: 01253 362696
Community Services Manager: Maria Kirkland
Email: maria@nvision-nw.co.uk

Staff

• Brian Casey (Low Vision Practitioner, Low Vision Assessments & Technology)
• Stephanie Beasley (Low Vision Practitioner & Low Vision Assessments)

Referrals accepted by phone.

ECLO 

N-Vision and Blackpool Victoria Hospital, FY3 8NR.

• Linda Sethi
  Email: Linda.sethi@nvision-nw.co.uk or linda.sethi@nhs.net

Low Vision Service – Participating Optical Practices

Local Voluntary/Community

• N-Vision. Website: nvision-nw.co.uk
• The Princess Alexandra Care Home: dedicated care and support for visually impaired people. Tel: 01253 403091
• Care Givers Service: high quality specialist home support that encourages independence and wellbeing. Tel: 01253 362685/403091

Local Council – Blackpool Council Sensory Team

Tracy Elliott Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairment
Email: tracy.elliott@blackpool.gov.uk
Tel: 01253 477757

Tracey Stott Sensory Needs Officer
Email: tracey.stott@blackpool.gov.uk

Lancashire County Council Sensory Impairment Team
Tel: 03001236720
Website: csc.acscustomerservices@lancashire.gov.uk
Referral form: needs assessment to aid independent living. Note: Patients do not need to be registered sight impaired to be entitled to an assessment from the council.

National Charities