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Discussions on a separate pay spine for nurses

2024-01-22T13:43:11+00:00

BOSTU have received a letter from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in relation to a call for evidence that has been published to explore a separate pay spine for nursing staff in England. On our members behalf we have been in discussion with all the Trade Unions representing staff employed under Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions and feel that this is not a beneficial course of action for any staff and particularly our members. The move from Whitley to AfC terms and conditions in 2004 improved parity of pay across all staff groups, removed unfair [...]

Discussions on a separate pay spine for nurses2024-01-22T13:43:11+00:00

Updated NICE Guideline on Stroke Rehabilitation in Adults

2023-10-24T08:32:53+01:00

The updated guidelines highlight the massive strides made towards cementing the place of orthoptists within the stroke care team. The guidance is now that people in hospital following a stroke should be offered a specialist orthoptist assessment as soon as possible. If this is not possible before discharge, the person should be offered an urgent outpatient appointment. This represents a real step forward, in addition to the recommendations in the National Clinical Guideline for Stroke in May, which recommended that vision screening should be completed within 72 hours, but does not specifically mention orthoptists. Problems with vision and eye movement [...]

Updated NICE Guideline on Stroke Rehabilitation in Adults2023-10-24T08:32:53+01:00

Orthoptist takes office as Master of The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers

2023-10-16T08:39:02+01:00

In what she called “a giant leap for orthoptists”, Liz Shilling (known professionally as Liz Tomlin), was installed this week as Master of The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, the first orthoptist ever to serve as Master in the Company’s almost 400 year-old history. Liz studied Orthoptics at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. In 1992 she started work at St Thomas’ Hospital, London and has worked there ever since, for the last 25 years in the role of Head Orthoptist and Eye Team Lead for the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. In her installation speech [...]

Orthoptist takes office as Master of The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers2023-10-16T08:39:02+01:00

BIOS Member Communications Survey

2023-11-06T12:46:15+00:00

How would you like to hear from us? As a membership organisation and trade union, it is essential that we're able to communicate in the best way possible with all of our members. We're currently looking to review our communications with our members, to make sure we're communicating in the best way for you. The main way we communicate with our members is via our weekly e-zines, which we are currently in the process of redesigning to make them more accessible. We also make use of social media and have a news section on our website for significant updates. In our [...]

BIOS Member Communications Survey2023-11-06T12:46:15+00:00

Revised Curriculum Framework for Orthoptics

2023-09-28T17:12:24+01:00

BIOS have today launched a revised Curriculum Framework for Pre-registration Orthoptic Education and Training. The new framework adds in content covering sustainability, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), quality assurance, and personal health and wellbeing. It has been aligned to Advanced Practice ‘pillars’ – around clinical practice, education, research, and leadership and management. This will allow newly-qualified Orthoptists to see where their knowledge and skills sit, and plan more effectively in shaping their careers. It was made possible by Health Education England (HEE) funding, as part of the Workforce Development Programme. The document itself is interactive, supported by [...]

Revised Curriculum Framework for Orthoptics2023-09-28T17:12:24+01:00

BIOS signs NHS sexual safety charter

2023-09-19T15:45:34+01:00

We joined with other health organisations to commit to a zero-tolerance approach to harmful sexual behaviours in the workplace. On 4 September 2023, NHS England launched its first ever sexual safety charter in collaboration with key partners across the healthcare system.  Signatories to this charter commit to taking and enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours within the workplace. It includes 10 principles to help achieve that aim, including: creating a transparent workplace culture; support for those who experience inappropriate sexual behaviours; clear organisational standards of behaviour, including actions that witnesses should take; clear policies, [...]

BIOS signs NHS sexual safety charter2023-09-19T15:45:34+01:00

AHPs’ Day 2023

2023-10-06T09:26:25+01:00

On the 14th of October, we will be joining with the 13 other allied health professions (AHPs) to celebrate the 6th annual AHPs’ Day. AHPs are the third largest clinical workforce in the NHS, with significant opportunities to support delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan. AHPs Day is an annual occasion for AHPs, started in 2018 and now celebrated internationally, to unite and revel in their contribution. This day offers a platform to spotlight the remarkable impact AHPs have on the delivery of care. The collaborations across services, organisations, regions, and nations allow us to achieve: Reinforced awareness about [...]

AHPs’ Day 20232023-10-06T09:26:25+01:00

BIOS expresses solidarity with members in Ireland taking industrial action

2023-08-21T15:39:37+01:00

Although our Orthoptic colleagues in ROI are not covered by our BOS trade union, we would like to offer them a message of solidarity as they embark on a period of industrial action. In July 2023 Fórsa balloted Orthoptists alongside 7 other professions ( Dietitians, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work and Social Care Work) they were asked whether they felt industrial action needed to be taken as regards to the lack of review of the career pathways for health and social care professionals been fully implemented as currently there is little or no opportunity for [...]

BIOS expresses solidarity with members in Ireland taking industrial action2023-08-21T15:39:37+01:00

RCOphth backs independent prescribing responsibilities for orthoptists

2023-08-18T14:04:41+01:00

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has written to Health Minister Will Quince MP to express their support for the extension of independent prescribing responsibilities to orthoptists. The letter, written by RCOphth President Professor Ben Burton and the Ophthalmic Practitioner Training Programme Lead Melanie Corbett, highlights that orthoptists have traditionally played an important role in delivering eye care as part of the multidisciplinary team. This includes working with babies and children on the treatment of amblyopia (“lazy eye”) and strabismus (“squint”), and with adults to manage conditions such as double vision. In both of these areas, there would be great benefit [...]

RCOphth backs independent prescribing responsibilities for orthoptists2023-08-18T14:04:41+01:00

Position Statement: Use of Medicine Exemptions for annotated Orthoptists

2023-07-25T16:59:07+01:00

BIOS has released a new position statement to navigate the complexities surrounding the use of Medicine Exemptions as outlined in the UK legislation. Read the full position statement here. If you are interested in finding out more: Medicines CAG Read our full position statement here

Position Statement: Use of Medicine Exemptions for annotated Orthoptists2023-07-25T16:59:07+01:00