Hutt loses job over Welsh waiting lists

The departure of Jane Hutt, Welsh Assembly health minister, has been viewed with sadness in the optometric community. She has been replaced by her deputy, GP Dr Brian Gibbons.

Hutt, who was reported to have been sacked from her job this week over long waiting lists in the principality, was instrumental in the launch of the Primary Eyecare Acute Referral Scheme (PEARS) programme in 2000.

The scheme has won plaudits from optical and patient groups, and aimed to improve alliances between optometrists, GPs and the hospital eye service.

Hutt also devoted £1.71m to eye care initiatives, developing glaucoma screening, low vision services and extending free eye tests. 

This week director of RNIB Cymru Joyce Chatterton said she was saddened at Hutt's departure from her role, and congratulated her efforts, particularly with regards to improving Wales's low vision services.

'On a practical level [her work] means that people in Wales have access to more services in their community, and that people are literally saving their sight by having regular eye health checks.'