Vital support services for blind and partially sighted people in York are facing an uncertain future after the local PCT withdrew its funding.
North Yorkshire and York PCT is to cease funding an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) - often the first, and most important point of contact for a person newly diagnosed with a sight condition.
The PCT has also announced it will cut funding to an Equipment and Information Centre which provides emotional and practical support.
"...I would never manage"
Muriel Acomb, of Acomb, York, who is visually impaired and a volunteer at the centre, said: "I see every week how much the work of the staff is valued, helping people to keep their independence. One 80 year old man told me 'they are fantastic here - if it were not for this place I would never manage'."
Jason Robertson, of Queen Anne's Road, York, was recently diagnosed with a macular hole condition in both his eyes. He said the professional support he received from the ECLO was invaluable in his sight loss journey.
"Invaluable knowledge"
"The depth of the ECLO's knowledge and her support proved to be invaluable in the early stages, as the consultants couldn't offer a diagnosis until two months after my original referral. I was in limbo.
"They gave me emotional support in the first instance but then offered all the knowledge I needed to move forward," he said.
Jason, who works in business development, was offered IT training via the centre which enabled him to get back to work just a short while after being first diagnosed.
He added: "The ECLO helped me get over the initial period of shock and then acceptance. I don't think I would have accepted what had happened so quickly if it hadn't been for these services and for being shown that support is out there and there is a future."
York Blind and Partially Sighted Society
York Blind and Partially Sighted Society (YBPSS), which runs both the services, received nearly £21,000 per year for the ECLO and just over £15,500 part funding for the centre (1).
The cuts will mean the ECLO post, based at York Hospital, will no longer exist and there will be reduced opening hours of the centre.
YBPSS recently appealed the PCT's decision but it was thrown out. In a letter to YBPSS it states that it does not consider the services to be a "core priority". This is despite 620 people visiting the eye clinic service last year and 1,770 people using the centre (2).
"Extremely traumatic"
Roy Ruddick, RNIB Regional Campaigns Officer for Yorkshire and Humber, said: "Being told you are losing your sight or have lost your sight can be extremely traumatic. It's vital that people are offered the appropriate, and joined up support and services from organisations like YBPSS and we would urge the PCT to reconsider its decision and ensure this vital service remains in York."
Diane Roworth, Chief Officer at YBPSS, said: "We were shocked when we heard the news - particularly as guidelines for the new Clinical Commissioning Groups and Health and Well Being boards stress the importance of joined up services, responsive to local needs. We support people with newly diagnosed sight loss and offer longer term support through the many services we provide in the community. Sight loss can be devastating. It can lead to depression and isolation, and if help is not available, to increased dependence, social and economic exclusion. We can stop that happening."
The PCT claims the service offered by YBPSS is already offered by City of York Council's social services. However, the council disputes the claim and a letter confirming this formed part of the recent appeal.
The PCT is being called to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee at the City of York Council on February 20 to discuss its decision. If you would like to support YBPSS in its battle to save services please call 01904 731121.
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
For more information or to arrange interviews with service users contact Emma Mercer, RNIB Senior Public Relations Officer, on 020 7391 2085 or emma.mercer@rnib.org.uk. Out of Hours call 07968 482812.
(1) City of York Council jointly funded the Equipment and Information Centre with the PCT.
(2) Following the appeal the PCT agreed to extend the service until end of June 2012.
Background information:
There are more than 1,000 blind and partially sighted people in York.
The appeal by YBPSS was supported by 10 letters from individuals, seven from organisations and more than 200 signatures from service users. City of York Council, York Hospital, York CVS, Macular Disease Society and two MPs also sent letters of support. Letters are available to view on request.
RNIB
Every day around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are almost 2 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk