The JOINT OSC FOR THE NE & NORTH CUMBRIA ICS & NORTH & CENTRAL ICPS was scheduled to discuss several key areas impacting local health services. These included an introduction to primary care optometry and eye care pathways, a review of older adult in-patient services, and a discussion on children and young people's services. The committee was also set to review its work programme for the upcoming year.

Introduction to Primary Care Optometry and Eye Care Pathways

The meeting was scheduled to hear a presentation from Stephanie Cairns, Chair of Northumberland, Tyne & Wear LOC, and Naomi Smith, Clinical Lead. Their presentation was intended to provide an introduction to optometry and highlight its ambitions, as well as address issues of eye care inequality throughout the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) region. The report pack detailed the current national and regional picture of eye care, noting that the majority of eye care is delivered in community optometry settings. It highlighted that while community optometry sees over 20 million appointments annually, ophthalmology services handle 8 million, and GP appointments and A&E visits for eye-related concerns are also significant. The report also projected a rise in the number of people living with sight loss, expected to reach 2.7 million within the next decade.

The report outlined the current commissioned enhanced optometry services across the NENC region, indicating significant opportunities for improvement. It detailed ambitions for the NENC LOC to see optometry integrated into the primary care network, with a focus on utilising the existing clinical expertise and infrastructure of primary care optometrists to relieve pressure on secondary care. The report also stressed the importance of optometry being embedded within neighbourhood health leadership and the wider primary care prevention agenda, advocating for Optometry First and Optometry Plus models. Digital connectivity was identified as a key enabler for service integration, with a call for fully funded IT systems to support optometry practices. The report also noted existing strategies that could deliver these aims, including active Local Optical Committees (LOCs), a regional LOC Forum, and national support for Optometry First models. It highlighted the flexibility of the optometry workforce, referencing their response during the pandemic, and the upskilling of optometrists in managing long-term eye conditions, though minimal commissioning currently utilises these skills. The report also identified stakeholders involved in primary eye care services.

The report also included a Visual Health Needs Assessment for Northumberland, authored by Dr Feyza Yarar. This assessment highlighted that approximately 15,000 people live in Northumberland with sight loss, with around two people losing their vision daily. It noted the considerable economic burden of sight loss and identified that older adults, those of low socioeconomic status, rural residents, and care home residents are at greater risk. The assessment emphasised that around half of all cases of visual loss are preventable. It detailed various eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, outlining their prevalence and risk factors. The report also discussed current service provision, including outpatient attendances, inpatient admissions, and surgical procedures, noting higher secondary care use in Northumberland compared to the England average. It highlighted the role of community optometry in averting hospital appointments and the importance of services like Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) in supporting patients. The assessment concluded with 10 recommendations aimed at preventing and reducing sight loss, offering support, and strengthening the current eye care system in Northumberland.

Older Adult In-Patient Services

Bill Kay, Group Director, and Joanne Tuart, Associate Director, were scheduled to attend to discuss the review of older adult in-patient services.

Children and Young People's Services

Andrew McMinn, Group Director – Specialist Care Group, was scheduled to discuss the service review of Children and Young People's Intensive Mental Health Services and Transforming Adult Eating Disorders.

Work Programme 26/27

The committee was scheduled to review its work programme for the upcoming year. The report pack indicated that topics suggested for inclusion were feedback and follow-up for dentistry, and an examination of waiting lists for mental health services, including how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism are triaged.

The meeting was also scheduled to include standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 20 July 2026, and the disclosure of members' interests, with detailed guidance provided on the council's Code of Conduct regarding declarations. The date of the next meeting was set for 23 November 2026.