Concern over delay to retinal screening

Diabetes UK has expressed concern after a diabetic retinal screening service covering Colchester and Tendring has been temporarily suspended by NHS North East Essex Primary Care Trust following an 'external review'.

The centre which has contracts with local optical practices and clinics will not treat any patients for the next eight weeks, reports the Colchester Gazette.

A spokesman for NHS North East Essex PCT told the local newspaper that the service had stopped to allow for recommendations to be implemented. 'This will result in a small number of patients who are due to be screened imminently as part of the annual recall process experiencing a slight delay before their next invitation for screening. However, if any patients do no wish to wait for this invite letter, then they can contact their optician in the normal way and book in for a routine sight examination.'