Following NHS England guidance, elective services have started to resume across the country.
Our vision statement has never been so relevant as it is today – a society where everyone can get access to free or affordable world-class treatment for advanced eye conditions without any unnecessary delay or worry
So, to avoid unnecessary delay we have already started to treat the many patients requiring routine treatment for advanced eye conditions that have been put on hold during the pandemic. Our priority is to treat these patients as
soon as we are able.
We are accepting referrals through the normal local CCG channels or directly (if appropriate) by secure email, newmedica.referrals@nhs.net or fax 0207 924 6262.
All new referrals will be clinically triaged, and patients will be contacted to discuss next steps.
Keeping you safe during your visit
During this difficult time, we appreciate that many patients may be worried about their safety when receiving care. So, to avoid unnecessary worry we have been working hard during lockdown to introduce significant changes
in the way we treat patients to ensure their safety at all times.
Where appropriate we will deliver as much of the treatment pathway as possible remotely. But as we operate in standalone clinics away from unwell patients or wards, our dedicated clinics and environments mean we can
control the flow of patients, adhere to social distancing guidelines and ensure our environments are regularly cleaned.
Some examples of our changes in clinic:
Based on NHS guidance, all patients attending a surgical procedure will need to self-isolate for 14 days before coming into the clinic.
All patients will receive a COVID-19 screening call 48-72 hours before their face to face appointment to ensure they are well enough to attend.
We are limiting the number of appointments per day to adhere to social distancing guidelines and we are asking that patients attend alone unless they need someone to assist them.
When patients arrive outside the clinic, we are asking them to call us on the number found on their appointment letter to let us know they have arrived. We will call them back when it’s time to come in.
During the visit we will ask patients to keep two metres apart from other people, except from the clinical team who will be delivering their care.
Upon entry to our facility we’ll check every patient’s temperature, provide them with hand sanitiser and a face mask.
Every member of the Newmedica team will always have appropriate PPE.
A member of the Newmedica team will talk each patient through these changes so they feel comfortable and safe before they are asked to attend any face to face appointment.
How it’s working so far
The response from patients so far has been overwhelmingly positive, as described by patient and amateur wildlife photographer, John Lake. The 76-year-old had been suffering with sight problems for several years due
to a cataract in his left eye.
‘I had a cataract removed from my right eye years ago and although I also had one in my left it wasn’t bad enough to remove at the time. However, over the last nine months my vision had got worse. I couldn’t read and
I enjoy wildlife photography, but my pictures were all off-centre. I’m also a carer for my wife and the only one in the household who can drive, so it was important I got the problem sorted.’
‘My appointment was, understandably, postponed due to the pandemic but then I received a phone call from Newmedica saying they were able to resume my treatment and asked if I could come in. I was delighted. Everyone
was so friendly and professional and wearing full PPE. I was wearing a face mask too. The surgery was so simple and painless. It only took 20 minutes, but it has made a 100% improvement to my life. I can’t rate
my experience highly enough and have been singing the team’s praises ever since.'
