The JOINT OSC for the NE & North Cumbria ICS & North & Central ICPS is scheduled to consider several key areas of service provision. Discussions are expected to cover primary care optometry and eye care pathways, older adult in-patient services, and children and young people's services.

Introduction to Primary Care Optometry and Eye Care Pathways

Stephanie Cairns, Chair of Northumberland, Tyne & Wear LOC, and Naomi Smith, Clinical Lead, are scheduled to present an introduction to optometry. The presentation is expected to highlight the ambitions of optometry and address eye care inequality throughout the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) region. The report pack details that the majority of eye care is already delivered in community (primary care) optometry and that Each year there are over 20 million appointments in community optometry, and this is set to increase year on year. ¹ It also notes that Each year 2.6 million GP appointments & 270,000 A&E visits are used for eye-related concerns. ² The report further outlines the current commissioned enhanced optometry services across the NENC region, indicating areas where provision could be improved. The ambition is for the Integrated Care System (ICS) to recognise optometry as an integrated part of the primary care network, with primary care optometry relieving pressure on secondary care by managing procedures such as treatment for minor eye conditions, routine cataract follow-ups, and glaucoma care locally.

Older Adult In-Patient Services

Bill Kay, Group Director, and Joanne Tuart, Associate Director, are scheduled to attend to discuss the review of Older Adult In-patient services. The report pack indicates that this discussion will focus on the review of these services.

Children and Young People's Services

Andrew McMinn, Group Director – Specialist Care Group, is scheduled to discuss the service review of Children and Young People's Intensive Mental Health Services and Transforming Adult Eating Disorders. The report pack outlines that this discussion will cover the service review for these specific areas.

Work Programme 2026/27

The committee is expected to consider its work programme for the upcoming year. The report pack includes a table outlining topics for consideration at future meetings, including Dentistry services and discussions on Learning Disabilities and Autism.