OO briefs MP on flaws in Health Bill

An optometrist who invited his MP to his practice helped her launch the debate on the Health Improvement and Protection Bill in the House of Commons.

Steven Harris asked Beckenham MP Jacqui Lait to visit his outlet in the High Street prior to the debate which was reported in optician last month.

After her visit she told the Commons that the provision for optometry in the Bill was a 'ragbag of ideas' from the Department of Health.

'I understand that there has been no information on how the GOS review is to be conducted,' she said in Parliament, 'who is to conduct and chair it, who is to give evidence, what the time scale will be, whether it is to be an independent review and when the outcome can be expected.'

She also accused the Bill of attempting to change the terms of practice for a profession 'that is probably unique in the health service for having no waiting lists at all'.

'The review is talking about ensuring the service remains non-cash-limited, whereas the Bill is proposing that PCTs should take over the management of GOS. Budgets will become cash-limited and PCTs will restrict the number of practitioners by transferring money to other parts of the service they provide.'

Harris said he invited the MP to his store ahead of the debate to explain how the changes would impact on the profession.

'Jacqui Lait succeeded in getting the profession's view heard at the debate,' he said, 'and her opening contribution was referred to throughout the meeting by MPs who also oppose the changes.'