Peasedown St John Parish Council says it is delighted, that following a recent letter to NHS England, Diabetic Eye Screening services will be resumed at Hillcrest Surgery in the village.

Parish Councillor, Ray Love, raised the issue at a Parish Council meeting after discovering that the treatment required by diabetics to check for any deterioration in their eyesight would no longer be available at Hillcrest Surgery. Residents of the

village who would previously have been able to walk to the Surgery were going to have to travel by bus, taxi, Dial-a-Ride or a lift from a friend, because the treatment they are given includes drops in the eyes, which would prevent them from driving immediately afterwards due to visual impairment.

A letter was sent on behalf of the Parish Council to the Patient Liaison Services Complaints Manager, condemning the decision to relocate the service. The point was made that this issue affects many residents of Peasedown St John; most of them elderly, and some of whom may not be able to attend because of other infirmities. The eye tests are important to monitor any

deterioration in vision, which might otherwise worsen

without their knowledge.

A response has now been received from the Quality Improvement Project Manager at NHS Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, saying that the service will be resumed.

Cllr Ray Love said: “I’m delighted that the provider has reflected on their decision and decided to continue the Diabetic Eye Screening service at Hillcrest Surgery for the time being. This will make a huge difference to local residents suffering from diabetes.”