A second Essex PCT has suspended diabetic retinal screening within optical practices following an external quality assessment.
NHS Havering PCT conducted the assessment of its screening programme in August which, it said, highlighted some areas for improvement. It confirmed that it had paused its diabetic retinal screening service so improvements could be made.
Earlier this year NHS North East Essex PCT temporarily suspended its retinal screening (News 07.08.09) after a review.
NHS Havering said: 'Pausing the programme meant that although we are currently accepting new patients on to the register we are not contacting patients immediately for screening. Those that have already been invited to be screened will continue to be seen at their appointment. The improvements highlighted by the external quality assessment were to do with grading of the images, administration and technical (computer) issues. An action plan was implemented to deliver the improvements to the programme.'
The PCT sent an explanation to optometrists and the scheme is expected to resume by the beginning of November.'
Cathy Moulton, Diabetes UK care advisor, said: 'All PCTs were required to offer this service to 100 per cent of people with diabetes by the end of 2007 and it's crucial this target is met.'
The Romford Recorder reported that local people were unable to book appointments and the local MP supported reinstating the service.
Screening was the early warning system for retinopathy said Moulton: 'It's crucial therefore that these appointments are kept up - any disruption to retinal screening programmes can unnecessarily put people with diabetes at risk of retinopathy and potentially blindness.'
