FRIDAY, 26 JULY, 2024

Photographs attached: Photo 1 - Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care visits Ninewells Hospital L-R Neil Gray, Chief Executive Nicky Connor, Medical Director James Cotton, Chief Officer, Acute Services Lynn Smith, NHS Tayside Vice Chair Beth Hamilton & Joe Fitzpatrick MSP.

Photo 2 – Neil Gray with Opthamology patient

Photo 3 – Neil Gray with Opthamology team

Photo 4 – Neil Gray meeting Emergency Department staff

Health Secretary visits Ninewells Hospital

Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, visited Ninewells Hospital yesterday (Thursday, 25 July) to meet with staff to hear about the changes that have transformed cataract surgery in NHS Tayside.

Mr Gray was welcomed by NHS Tayside Chief Executive Nicky Connor and NHS Tayside Vice Chair Beth Hamilton, Medical Director Dr James Cotton and Chief Officer for Acute Services Lynn Smith.

During his visit to ward 25 the Health Secretary met with Dr John Ellis, surgical consultant ophthalmologist as well as key members of the eye team who have been instrumental in successfully implementing bilateral cataract surgery in NHS Tayside.

The major benefit for patients of having cataracts removed from both eyes simultaneously is that this operation restores a patient’s sight sooner at one surgical appointment.

The Health Secretary listened to a short presentation by Dr Ellis who explained that around 60% of patients require surgery on both eyes and he spoke about the benefits to patients of removing both cataracts at the same time. He also spoke about the changes that had been introduced to streamline the service and make it more efficient, including the improved direct patient referral to the waiting list for cataracts through community optometrists and local opticians. Dr Ellis also highlighted the overwhelming positive feedback that the team has received from patients and their families.

As part of his visit Mr Gray was invited to observe a cataract operation being carried out in theatre. A cataract operation generally takes under 10 minutes per eye to perform and is 98% successful.

The Health Secretary ended his visit by meeting patients who had undergone their cataract operation earlier that day, to hear firsthand about their experiences and the difference the operation will make to their lives.

NHS Tayside Chief Executive Nicky Connor said, “We are delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary for Health to Ninewells Hospital. This visit has provided the opportunity to showcase the work of the ophthalmology team in ward 25 and particularly the introduction of bilateral cataract surgery.

“This work is a real positive impact on someone’s life and I am very proud of the team’s commitment and determination to continuously improve ophthalmology services for the people of Tayside.”

The Health Secretary also visited the Emergency Department and met with clinicians and nursing staff to hear more about the work of the Flow Navigation Centre and how this supports NHS Tayside position as the best performing main land board for the 4-hour target for patients to be seen in A&E.

He heard directly from teams across NHS Tayside and the three Health and Social Care Partnerships how they work together to ensure that they can see patients in the right place for their needs, first time, and move them through the healthcare system as smoothly and quickly as they can to get them back home as early as possible.

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138