PN, Manawatu diabetes patients will soon be able to receive their retinal screening free in the community

02/09/2011 | Retinal Screening

From 1 October 2011 patients with diabetes will be able to receive their retinal screening in the community rather than at Palmerston North Hospital. This is part of MidCentral District Health Board’s aim to have more services provided closer to the community.

In recent years, retinal screening services for Tararua, Otaki and Horowhenua communities have been provided by private optometrists under a contract with Central Primary Health Care Organisation (PHO).  This service has worked very well in improving access for patients and now MidCentral DHB will extend the same service to the Palmerston North and Manawatu communities which have traditionally received their service from Palmerston North Hospital.

The DHB and the PHO are working to achieve a smooth transition to the new arrangements.  General practices will refer each patient to one of the optometrists and will then manage the recall process.  Patients will have a choice of which optometrist to go to.  When the optometrist receives the referral from the general practice they will contact the patient and schedule an appointment.

Three Palmerston North optometrists and one Feilding optometrist have been contracted to provide the service free of charge to the patient.

MDHB Senior Portfolio Manager of Primary Health Care, Craig Johnston, said: “Using optometrists to provide retinal screening in the community will make for a more convenient service for patients.  It will also free up capacity in the Ophthalmology Department at Palmerston North Hospital allowing the department to focus on more specialised services.

 “Combining all retinal screening services into one contract will also reduce administration costs and optimise accountability.

“Maintaining a quality service is very important.  The MidCentral Health Ophthalmology Department has been involved in the selection and training of optometrists and will also provide oversight of the service on an ongoing basis.”

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945