Westmorland General Hospital
Burton Road
Kendal
LA9 7RGTel: 01253 95365
Email: by NHS.net email to cpcc.referrals@mbht.nhs.uk
Website:https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/hospitals/westmormailto:mbh-tr-uhmbtereferrals@nhs.netland-general-hospital/Westmorland General Hospital (part of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation trust) is involved in the management and treatment of wet AMD. In order for referrals to be accurately processed the hospital uses the RCOphth. Referral form.
Wet AMD Referrals should be sent for the attention of the Macula Unit and need to be marked, “Rapid Access Wet AMD”. This will ensure that referrals for wet AMD are clearly visible to the triage staff to prevent delay.
Please note that any co-pathology (e.g. glaucoma) should be referred separately.
Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Ashton Road
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 4RPSwitchboard: 01524 65944
Mon – Fri: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Weekend: 9.30am – 3.00pmFurness General Hospital
Dalton Lane
Barrow-In-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 4LFSwitchboard: 01229 870870
Mon – Fri: 8.30am – 5.00pm
Weekend: ClosedCommunity Patient Contact Centre (CPCC)
CPCC
Westmorland General Hospital,
Burton Road
Kendal
LA9 7RGPhone: 01539 716998
Email: by NHS.net email to cpcc.referrals@mbht.nhs.ukRoutine and Urgent referrals should be sent to CPCC by NHS.net email. GOS18 template.
Referrals will be triaged within 48 hours and assigned to clinics with appropriate urgency.
Conditions such as BRVO and CRVO which need prompt assessment in Medical Retina should be sent to CPCC unless there are emergency complications such as high IOP.
Suspected ocular cancers requiring 2 week assessment are also sent to CPCC.
A detailed referral guidance document is being prepared in collaboration with UHMB.
Routine referrals for optometrists who don’t have NHS.net email accounts can still go by post to the CPCC (with copy to GP).
Contact the LOC to obtain an NHS.net email address if you do not have one.
Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Ashton Road
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 4RPSwitchboard: 01524 65944
Mon – Fri: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Weekend: 9.30am – 3.00pm
Ophthalmology: 01524 583094
Email: by NHS.net email to rli.ophthalmicemergencies@mbht.nhs.ukFurness General Hospital
Dalton Lane
Barrow-In-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 4LFSwitchboard: 01229 870870
Mon – Fri: 8.30am – 5.00pm
Weekend: Closed
Ophthalmology: 01229 491179
Email: by NHS.net email to FGH.UrgentEyeReferrals@mbht.nhs.ukOutside clinic times, if the patient needs immediate medical assessment then phone the hospital switchboard and speak to the 1st on call eye doctor (Usually an Associate Specialist or Specialist Registrar, not a Consultant) to make arrangements. You will usually also be asked to email referral details.
Westmorland General does not have an Emergency Eye Clinic – do not send urgent cases.
Telephone Lancaster, Kendal or Barrow-in-Furness hospital depending on where the patient lives.
Practices without NHS.net email, please use 7Zip encryption (click link for user guide) and contact the LOC secretary or the eye department for an agreed password.
Community Patient Contact Centre (CPCC)
Email:cpcc.referrals@mbht.NHS.uk
Tel:01539 716998Cataract referrals should be sent direct to the patients preferred provider. This can be via the Community Patient Contact Centre (CPCC) for referrals to University Hospital Morecambe Bay Trust or direct to SpaMedica or another preferred provider. GOS18 template
IES and BCT www.primaryeyecare.co.uk
Better Care Together commissioned via Primary Eyecare Services.
Info for non-accredited Optoms – this relates to Glaucoma Repeat Readings and MECS for those in MB who are not part of the services.
If you are considering HES referral for any of the following conditions then please consider referral to a MECS provider as an alternative:
- Flashes & Floaters / visual aura (eg if it is not possible to perform dilation during your clinic)
- Red eye – Eye infections, Allergic eye conditions
- Corneal abrasions and foreign body removal (non-penetrating)
- Lid Lumps, blepharitis & dry eye
Of course, you are likely to manage the majority of these conditions in your own clinic, without onward referral. This route is only for those patients who you consider require additional care.
MECS does not usually deal with diplopia, ptosis, severe pain, severe or complete loss of vision.
Find a Practice – Search for your nearest participating optical practice (primaryeyecare.co.uk)
Please give a written referral to the patient stating that they require a MECS appointment, not a full eye exam.
Emergencies must get referred direct to ophthalmology (see urgent referrals section).
Info for non-accredited Optoms – this relates to Glaucoma Repeat Readings and MECS for those in MB who are not part of the services.
Please do not refer any patient into HES on the basis of raised IOP alone.
GRR is used if you detect raised IOP (>23mmHg) or a visual field defect suggestive of glaucoma without glaucomatous disc changes or narrow angles.
Find a Practice – Search for your nearest participating optical practice (primaryeyecare.co.uk)
Please send a written referral with the patient explaining that you require GRR. Include your initial IOP measures (and method), field plots and assessment of discs & angles.
All glaucomatous discs and angles-closure risk patients go to HES as usual.
Information for those referring to North Lancashire and South Cumbria Low Vision Service
What is a Low Vision Service?
The low vision service will help people make the most of their vision. The assessment will look at low vision aids, such as magnifiers and eye shields and provide guidance to help with everyday tasks like reading or help reduce glare outside.
What happens during the assessment?
A Low Vision Practitioner will discuss the patient’s vision and assess how well they see in the distance and at near. They will measure which magnification works best and the patient will be able to try out equipment that may make everyday tasks easier.
Each patient will receive one low vision aid on long term loan. There will be an option to purchase additional equipment. The Practitioner will help patients learn how to use the magnifying devices prescribed.
How to refer
Complete the electronic referral form and send it to our secure email account Galloways.lowvision@nhs.net
If the patient has not received sight advice Galloway’s will liaise with the local sight loss charity to make sure this is in place before a low vision assessment as this delivers better outcomes for the patient.
What is the process?
- Within 14 days of receiving a referral form, Galloway’s will book the patient into the next available clinic. Galloway’s will post an appointment letter, information about the service and Covid safety measures and a questionnaire for them to complete and bring with them to the appointment.
- Galloway’s will contact the patient to obtain their consent to store and share their information.
- The patient will be assessed by a Low Vision Practitioner at the clinic and a suitable low vision aid will be prescribed.
- With patient consent, Galloway’s will send assessment results to the patient’s optometrist and their local sight loss charity.
- Galloway’s will complete a follow up phone call with the patient one month after the clinic has taken place.
- With patient’s consent, sharing low vision assessment information with the Galloway’s team, the patient’s optometrist and local sight loss charity.
Your contact at Galloway’s is Nia Greer Nia.greer@galloways.org.uk 01772 744148 or speak to Galloway’s reception on the same number.
Is this a domiciliary service?
Ideally assessments will take place within the venue. In circumstances where an individual is unable to attend clinic they will be contacted by Low Vision Assessor, Nia Greer, to discuss an alternative. In exceptional circumstances, we will arrange a domiciliary visit. Please contact Nia Greer in this instance.
What will local sight loss charities do?
These standards are based on UK Ophthalmology Alliance patient quality standards.
Before any low vision assessment referral, local sight loss charities will provide the patient with information, advice and guidance, usually delivered by a Sight Loss Adviser (SLA). The SLA assesses the persons concerns about independence, engaging in activities, family interactions, fears, emotional support, visual impairment registration and Charles Bonnet Syndrome. After discussing services and support the person might need, the SLA and the person agree a plan. This may include help for family and carers. If this plan includes support for low vision the sight loss charity completes a referral form and sends it to Galloway’s.
During and after the low vision process the local sight loss charity provides ongoing contact and support to the patient to respond to changes in circumstances.
If a patient lets the referrer know they wish to cancel their appointment, please encourage the patient to contact Nia Greer or Galloway’s reception on 01772 744148 to rearrange the appointment or do this on their behalf.
Service Quality
In line with UK Ophthalmology Alliance patient quality standards, North Lancashire and South Lakes Low Vision Service will:
- Provide support early to prevent loss of skills, confidence and motivation.
- Will be open to people beyond those who meet specific visual thresholds or have a CVI.
- Help people to regain or maintain as much independence as possible.
Low vision assessments are carried out by a low vision professional, typically an optometrist or dispensing optician.
