Moneo writes: Restructured for good

It was with a sense of impending déjà-vu that I read the other day of the government’s intention to restructure the NHS. However, as I read on it became clear there was some really excellent logic behind the move this time as it would appear the grave errors of previous restructures have now come home to roost. If anything good can come out of this pandemic, it is the recognition of what the NHS can do well and the recognition of just how much has been put in place by recent reforms to stifle that good.

This latest restructuring should recognise the vital need to make the NHS fit for purpose in a new health environment and give us in the eye care sector, the biggest opportunity we have had since eye care services were negotiated and set up in 1958 and the debacle of the restructure in 1989. The opportunity, that is, to design and lobby for a modern eye health care service that, for once, actually provides a service fit for purpose and works to preserve sight, as opposed to the current outdated, outmoded service so many of us have said for years is just not fit for purpose.