The Minster Practice, Lichfield

In July 2003, the National Audit Office (NAO) reported that Hip Replacement Surgery was beating NHS targets. On average, a patient has to wait nearly a year: 14 weeks to see a consultant and 8 months for the operation.

By December 2004, no cataract patient should have to wait more than 3 months for treatment. Currently, 50,000 elderly patients have to wait more than 3 months for this quick and simple procedure which restores clear sight. The Health Secretary expects most areas will reach this target by Summer 2004. The eventual aim is for the wait to be reduced to 6 weeks. Locally, selected optometrists work with local eye surgeons to monitor cataracts until they are ripe for operation and then refer in to the Hospital Eye Service for prompt attention.

In Lichfield, the following optometrists (all on Market Street) were participating in September 2001:

Mr David Arthur, Mr Prafur Patel at Specsavers and Mr Manpritt Randhawa at Eclipse opticians. Contact the Staffordshire Local Optometric Committee for the latest list 01785 851497

NHS trust ratings 2003

The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) published star ratings of NHS trusts for year ending March 2003 on 16th July 2003.

This year's ratings for hospitals considered 45 different measurements with 9 key targets:

Queen's Hospital Burton achieved 3 stars and is eligible to apply for Foundation Hospital status.
Good Hope Hospital Sutton Coldfield was rated no star with major problems with waiting time in A&E, delayed transfers of care, cancelled operations and financial management. There has been no chief executive in post for some time but Dr Causer understands he will be in post when contract negotiations are completed in August 2003.

Staffordshire Ambulance NHS Trust achieved 3 stars.
Burntwood, Lichfield & Tamworth Primary Care Trust reached 2 stars.

For further details on ratings and results for other trusts see www.chi.nhs.uk/ratings

Local waiting times

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