Burnham plans more freedom for top PCTs

Optical bodies and the LOC Support Unit (LOCSU) have welcomed the appointment of the new health secretary Andy Burnham.

Burnham's announcement that top performing primary care trusts (PCTs) will be rewarded with greater operational freedom was also greeted with enthusiasm in the hope that this could give PCTs greater flexibility to commission local eye care schemes.

Georgina Gordon, LOCSU head of unit, commented: 'The greater freedoms announced for top performing PCTs represent a real opportunity for LOCs to progress enhanced services and innovative community schemes. LOCs should ask to meet with their local commissioners to talk about improved eye care services for the local community. The LOC Support Unit has developed clinical pathways for LOCs to present to commissioners and these have already been welcomed by a number of PCTs.'