New GOS Contract

There are two key reasons for introducing the new GOS contracts:

1) To enable PCTs to commission eye care services to a wider range of providers. This will not affect the current sight testing system.

2) To strengthen controls on the redemption of optical vouchers. This gives PCTs the right to request records up to 2 years old and issue a notice a cessation of payments notice if suppliers are suspected of being fraudulent.

The new GOS contracts has three levels to offer a more flexible framework for commissioning services:

1) Mandatory - this applies to sight test providers operating from fixed premises offering, typically the high street optometrist.

2) Additional - this level is required by all providers of domiciliary sight tests. If a mandatory provider offers an additional domiciliary service, they must have an additional contract

3) Enhanced - this applies to commissioned eye care services over and above the sight test. This can be offered either by sight test providers or other providers.

Ophthalmic lists and supplementary lists will be replaced by contractors and performers lists. There are three possible types of contractors:

1)Individual

2) Parnership - one contract per partnership, but PCTs will check each individual partner

3) Corporate body - PCTs will check and list all directors, chief executive and company secretary, but just one contract per PCT

 Each PCT’s performers list will include the individuals that perform sight tests and resembles the current supplementary lists. A performer must not be included in more than one PCT performer’s list. For an individual to be both contractor and performer, he/she must be on the performer’s list of the PCT with which he has a contract. If he has contracts with multiple PCTs, he must choose which performer’s list to be on. All new applicants (post 1st Aug) to performers lists must have CRB checks.

 Two model contracts have been designed jointly by the DoH and optical bodies; one mandatory and the other additional. It is recommended that these contracts are used. The contractor needs to choose which dispute resolution procedure to opt for. If the contractor chooses to be a health service body, the NHS internal disputes procedure will determine the outcome. Otherwise, disputes will end up before the county court - the more costly option for both parties.

 Anybody may apply for a contract, but not everyone can get one. PCTs are required to make checks on the suitability of the applicants. To be suitable, applicants must be able to demonstrate they have premises (for mandatory applicants), equipment that meets the reasonable needs of the patients, and record keeping; must hold clinical negligence and public liability insurance. PCTs may visit practices before draft contracts are sent.

 Other key changes to the GOS contracts as discussed and highlighted at the seminar

1) The PCT will have the power to request the contractor to provide the number of patient complaints (NHS only) received within an agreed time interval. The contractor will therefore be expected to keep a record patient complaints. Contractors will need to make a judgement as to what constitutes a complaint.

 2) Contractors must keep a written record if they refuse to provide GOS to an NHS patient and the refusal must conform to ant-discrimination laws.

 3) Contractors must notify promptly the comings and goings of their performers. This means that if they have a locum just for the day, the PCT must be informed.

 Transitional arrangements for contractors and performers

For existing persons on the ophthalmic and supplementary lists, PCTs will automatically transfer them to contractors and performers lists. If contractors do not automatically receive draft model contracts from the PCTs, they must write to the PCTs by 1st July. If this deadline if missed, the process will not be automatic or definite by 1st August. PCTs may request for further required information, this must be supplied before contracts can be finalised.

 Performers need to make sure they are not included on more than one list. They must write to those PCTs whose performers lists they wish to be removed from and which list they do want to be included.

 For further information, you can contact:

 East Sussex, Downs and Weald PCT - Jane Hewitt

Jane.Hewitt@esdwpct.nhs.uk

Hastings and Rother PCT - Alan Lewis

Alan.lewis@hastingsrotherpct.nhs.uk

Brighton and Hove PCT - Cherie Young

Cherie.young@bhcpct.nhs.uk

FHSAA - John Flory

John.flory@nhs.net

 PDF Downloads:

New GOS contracts in England - Advice & Timetable
GOS Contracts Guidance for the Profession