Primary and Community Care Optometry Escalation Framework:
The Primary and Community Care Escalation Framework, introduced in NHS Wales in 2021, and revised in 2022 is designed to ensure the pressures across the whole of the health system are understood and that action could be considered and undertaken to make improvements.
The Framework tools are designed for health boards continued daily use and for reporting nationally as part of the joint Welsh Government and NHS Wales Safety huddles. The tools provide visibility of the pressures on practices and is currently updated as part of GMS and Pharmacy contractual requirements. The Framework is key to ensuring that primary and community care are considered in the day-to-day discussions on the pressures in the whole health system as well as informing short- and medium-term planning and action.
During the 2024-25 Optometry Contract negotiations it was agreed that optometry practices would complete this activity on a monthly basis.
It is expected that the Escalation Toolkit will be launched in optometry during the first quarter of 2026/27, further information will be shared to contractors from LHBs, through the Optometry Wales newsletter and via ROC meetings (and added to this page).