Simon Jones: The blue whirling circle

If, like me, you visit optometry message boards and social media groups, then you’ll often notice questions such as ‘has anyone else been experiencing PCSE not working for the last three days?’ 

Software and connectivity within the NHS has long been a bone of contention within optics, even for something as simple as submitting a GOS form via an online portal. Just to make matters worse, even if you do get beyond the blue whirling circle, the claim will have been rejected for an errant tick somewhere. 

Software and connectivity is, quite rightly, a top priority within the government’s 10-year NHS transformation plan. The problem, for me at least, is that better connectivity within the NHS has been talked about for so long, any improvements made are almost out of date as soon as they’re rolled out. The systems already in place for GOS reimbursement creak like doors in a haunted house, so I worry about how a sophisticated national system of digital connectivity and interoperability that links the high street with hospitals can be implemented in a timely and functional fashion.