Exemptions Module
Orthoptists, Rukhsana McCann and Jessica Boyd have recently
completed a post graduate module 'ORTH 408 Medical Exemptions
for Orthoptists' through the University of Liverpool. This has
provided them with a deeper understanding of the principles of
ocular pharmacology, the use of particular medicines in the investigation and management of
ocular conditions and knowledge of the legal and ethical context of exemptions and prescribing.
Successful completion of this module will enable both Rukhsana and Jessica to apply to the HCPC
in order to have the exemptions annotation added to their professional registration. It will remove
the need for use of a Patient Group Direction (PGDs) in order for them to, for example, administer
cycloplegia during refraction at individual clinical sites, supply atropine in the course of treatment
for amblyopia and administer other drugs used within extended ophthalmology roles. Ultimately
this will aim to enhance patient experience by improving access to care.
Jessica Boyd Rukhsana McCann
Development of the new Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) Led
Parallel Clinic, ENT
The Speech and language Therapy (SLT) ENT Voice service has developed an SLT Led Parallel
clinic, as a Transformations project initially. The SLT manages the patient in place of the ENT
doctor. No further waits for treatment, a one stop clinic to enable improvement from day one, a
first for Northern Ireland.
Extensive training was carried out during development phase, launched in January 2019. Data
was collected to look at effectiveness, service and service user benefits through Outcomes Based
Accountability (OBA) format.
Individuals involved in the development of this new clinic included the following:
• SLT 8a
• ENT consultants
• ENT team
• SLT administrative support
• Service users
• Medical Records staff
• Partial Booking team.
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Goal 5: Integrating the Care - Community Care