Campaign has its sights on eye unit (From Bournemouth Echo)

Campaign has its sights on eye unit

11:50am Sunday 12th October 2008

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HUNDREDS of names have been gathered on a petition calling for a specialist eye unit in Poole.

Currently, patients requiring treatment for eye problems have to travel to Bournemouth.

Campaigners say transport issues make getting to appointments difficult and they believe there is a substantial need for a specific unit in Poole.

Linda Moore, who chairs Poole and District Glau-coma Support Group, is co-ordinating the petitions.

She said: “People badly need a unit in Poole.

“There is no emergency or after care in Poole and I think there is a real need.

“People do have difficulty getting to Bournemouth. Public transport is a problem if you haven’t got your own car or if you have mobility issues.”

Mrs Moore, who suffers from glaucoma, said she knew of people who simply didn’t keep appointments because they couldn’t get to them.

She added the problems had begun when the Westbourne eye unit was closed in 2000.

The petition, which has so far been signed by around 250 people, has been handed in to the Bournemouth and Poole Teaching Primary Care Trust.

A PCT spokesperson said the trust was keen to talk to the group about making its services more accessible to visually impaired patients.

“We are aware of the difficulties some patients have in travelling to Bournemouth,” said the spokesperson.

“We will be in contact with the group with a view to setting up a meeting.”

Some glaucoma patients could be seen by GPs in Poole, added the spokesperson.

To add you name to the petitions, go to aboutmy area.co.uk/BH15 or call 01202 716259.

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