Slide 1: Short Life Working Group and
Beyond
Alex Bowerman
Programme Director
Scottish Government, Access Support Team
Slide 2: Dimensions of Quality
Image showing rings connecting the words ‘effective’, ‘efficient’, ‘safe’,
‘timely’, ‘patient centred’ and ‘equitable’ with ‘quality’ in the middle
Slide 3: Ophthalmology Short Life Working
Group
 Autumn 2012 – Autumn 2013
 Direct response to clinicians
 New treatments available for previously untreatable conditions (i.e.
Age-related Wet Macular Degeneration)
 Concerns about capacity for return out-patient appointments
 Medical workforce vacancies in Ophthalmology
Slide 4: Diagnostic Report’s
Recommendations (published December
2013):
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Real-time information to sub-specialty level
Booking processes acknowledging sub-specialty variation
Flexible use of accommodation
Consultant job plans (match supply with demand)
Up-skilling AHPs / nurses (I.V. injections)
Enhanced working across primary/secondary care
Reducing the number of patients monitored in secondary care
Slide 5: Next Phase – National Framework
for Change
 Managing demand into secondary care
 Managing queues and capacity
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Standardising booking processes
Communicating with patients
Managing return slots successfully
Introducing alternative models for surveillance
Extending roles of nurses and AHPs
Optimising community optometrists’/orthoptists’ remit
Strengthening tertiary/local service networks
Slide 6: Next Phase – Interventions
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Additional GJNH capacity
Information analysis and capacity modelling
Spread good practice to normal practice
Optimise systems and processes
Transforming Outpatients Programme Change packages
Testing other approaches to Flows & Pathways
Local engagement plans
Slide 7: Next Phase – Implementation
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Scotland’s 3 step improvement framework
Systematic approach to Board engagement
Partnership Working
Establishing pace and profile
Articulating what ‘good’ looks like
Driving specific actions and timelines
Embedding change - everywhere