LOC/ROC Training 2010

LOCSU are pleased to be able to announce a further training day for LOCSU in a similar format to the three previously run & well received days. LOCSU has had requests from LOCS for more regional locations for future training days, so this training day will be on Monday 18^th October at the Lions Quay in Oswestry, which is a lovely location near Wrexham & close to the border with Wales. We will keep the timings the same as all previous attendees thought it worked well. Coffee & registration will be from 10.30-11.00. There will be a  ¾ hour break for lunch and we will aim to finish by 4.00pm at the latest to give people time to travel home.

The day is intended to give a basic introduction to the role & function of an LOC together with tips & discussions on how to run an effective LOC.   There will also be an update on LOCSU developments & a talk, with ample opportunity for discussion, on the role of the Optometric Advisor & their relationship with the LOC. Bob Hughes will be outlining the function of the Optical Confederation & Sali Davis will update us on Optometry Wales. A session on communicating & negotiating with PCTs will be included & give the opportunity to meet Gill Brabner, who has been brought in to coordinate a training & development programme for LOCs.

We will limit the number of delegates as previous experience has shown that interaction with fellow LOC members is very helpful & this is only effective with smaller groups. You will need to book fairly quickly as there is already a waiting list.

LOC Chairs and Treasurers Training Day

26th April 2010

Was organised as a way of supporting Chairs and Treasurers of LOCs.   Held at 61 Southwark Street  10.30am start 4pm finish.

Sessions covered:-

• A business plan
• Managing an LOC Budget
• Demonstration of Quality in Optometry
• Workshops on drawing up Business Plans
• Annual Accounts

HSJ NHS Leadership Masterclass 2010
23/24th February

See report to the right of the screen

LOCs General Training
28th January 2010

A Training Session for LOCs provided them with an introduction to the role of the LOC for the new members, the training days also aimed to support the development of existing members through a new 'Member's Information Pack' which could be further developed by LOCs to include local information relevant to their own areas.

There were recommendations on how to make LOCS more efficient and effective and how to engage, communicate and negotiate with Primary Care Trusts, Practice Based Commissioners and other health care professionals.

It was noted that PCTs and Hospital Trusts are under pressure to meet demand following the huge increase in referrals to the Hospital Eye Service following the NICE guidelines on chronic open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

This presented a great opportunity for LOCs to discuss and negotiate locally commissioned enhanced services, providing the LOCs knew whom to approach and how to initiate discussions best to challenge entrenched local positions for the benefit of others.

LOCSU also recognised that LOCs are facing greater challenges as a result of the new GOS contracts that were introduced in England in August 2008 and the disparate attempts by PCTs to implement them.