Cataract Provision Statement
17 October 2014
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) sets the standards for all eye healthcare, including eye surgery, and it is very concerned about the reports from Musgrove Park Hospital. Cataract surgery is a highly effective, life-enhancing procedure which, if performed according to RCOphth standards in a safe environment, carries very little risk.
We recommend that surgical teams are given adequate time to become familiar with their patients, the clinical surroundings and equipment provided and to promote cohesive team working.
We recognise and value the role of the Care Quality Commission as an inspector of all providers of NHS surgical care.
Finally, we call for Musgrove Park Hospital and Vanguard Health Solutions to be open about the events in May 2014 so that the information collected can be used to improve care for future patients.