Ophthalmology Case Study in the South-West
The Details
Regional Challenge
In 2018, the South West region was highlighted by NHS England as one of the worst performing Regions in the country regarding Ophthalmology performance.
Staff Shortages
There had been plans developed to provide support to the Trust, however, due to lack of staff supply, and consistent consultant vacancies, this had not been sufficient to tackle the issues.
Growing backlog
Patients had come to harm on the follow up waiting list, and the RTT performance was spiralling out of control with a total of 2,500 18+ Weeks waiters.
Long term partnership
Over the course of four uninterrupted years, 18 Week Support adeptly implemented a comprehensive 2 One-Stop Model clinics, seamlessly integrating GA, Pre-Assessment, and Cataract Surgery services in one day. Not only, this achievement was made possible by 18WS’s capability to facilitate the complete onboarding of a clinical team, including consultants and local nurses.
Clinical Excellence & Efficiency
On each list we maximised both clinical excellence and the number of patients who could be safely treated.
Our Results
As of July 2023, the cohort of patients exceeding an 18-week wait time, which originally included 2,500+ patients as reported in 2018, has now diminished by 55%.
The efficient teams of clinicians at 18 Week Support achieved a higher throughput in cataract lists compared to the Trust, resulting in a remarkable increase in activity by 100%.
Given the resounding success of this model, the service is set to remain operational until March 2024.
-55%
Reduction of weeks waiting list
+100%
Increase in cataract activity levels
99.9%
Patient satisfaction score
Meet Our Clinical Leads for Ophthalmology
Mr Danny Mitry
Clinical Lead for OphthalmologyMr Danny Mitry is the Clinical Lead for Ophthalmology for 18 Week Support. Mr Danny Mitry is a leading Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon based at the Royal Free Hospital in London. He has held several major research grants in support of his academic research. He’s been an invited speaker at international ophthalmic conferences and has been awarded several research awards for his work.
Reymar Apostol
Ophthalmology Lead NurseReymar started his nursing career in the general emergency department and moved to ophthalmology for 20 plus years. He has been in the senior nursing roles for over 10 years. In his years in ophthalmology, he developed knowledge and skills in an advanced level and gained his independent prescribing allowing him to see and managed patients independently. He has worked with 18WS since the inception of the company as an ophthalmology lead nurse.
Khaled Alkarmi
Ophthalmology Lead NurseKhaled joined 18 Week Support as a lead nurse (Ophthalmology) since the inception of the company 2014. In a fast-changing healthcare practice and provision, his role is an ongoing process moving best practice forward for the benefits of patients. He leads by example, Inspirational to the wider multidisciplinary team and always contribute to towards better patient experience and clinical outcomes.
Working as a lead Nurse for Ophthalmology at 18Weeksupport it gave him the opportunity to push professional boundaries due to the wealth and experience I have in the Ophthalmology field. He always demonstrate flexibility, punctuality, honesty, and excellent team working ethics in the delivery of patient care. My aim is to maintain and monitor high standards of care, recognise, and respond proactively to patients changing clinical needs in every clinical setting.
Testimonial
General Manager, NHS TrustThe professionalism and quality provided by 18 Week Support is what sets them apart from previous insourcing providers we have worked with. The patients have all had a positive experience and good outcomes.
NHS Trust General Manager
