LOC Induction Course extends use of remote learning technology
6 October 2020
The current LOC induction course which has been taking place during September has been using the new Thinkific platform, allowing delegates to complete the course remotely at times convenient to them. To complement this approach, the course delegates recently came together on a live Zoom webinar, led by LOCSU Digital Learning Support Officer Simone Mason, to meet each other and discuss some particular topics of interest.
LOCSU CEO Richard Whittington gave an overview of LOCSU as the support organisation for LOCs, outlining the role, direction and structure of LOCSU. Richard talked at length about the national picture, the background of commissioning, the regional LOC forums and LOCSU’s role in the outpatient transformation project. He mentioned the podcasts which LOCSU produces on a regular basis, covering a range of topics, as well as the virtual NOC taking place from 23 November to 4 December. Richard’s message to the LOCs was that LOCSU exists to offer expert support to LOCs and associated PECs and he encouraged all LOCs to make use of the resources available to help across commissioning, training, communications, GDPR and many other areas
LOCSU Head of Policy, Richard Knight, gave an outline of the purpose of Quality in Optometry which is a NHS Standard Contract checklist and is designed to demonstrate compliance for the GOS contract to NHS England, but also for the extended primary eye care contracts (also known as shared care, enhanced or community services). Richard clarified to the course delegates that practices are required to hold a GOS contract in order to deliver extended primary eye care services.
Three of LOCSU’s optical leads, Max Halford, Tom Mackley and Richard Rawlinson also joined the webinar. The Optical Leads team is based across the country and is the first point of contact for LOCs who require support of any kind. Max, Tom and Richard offered top tips from LOCs they support, along with an overview of the LOC Needs Analysis. Tom encouraged the course delegates to get in touch with their respective Optical Leads as and when they need to, reiterating that the Optical Leads really welcome calls from LOCs.
The webinar was well received by the participants, with one saying that the webinar had “helped to cement what we’ve been though on the course”.
Programme details and dates of the next LOC Induction course and how to join, as well as details of other courses available via the Thinkific platform, will be available in the coming weeks on the LOCSU website and via LOCSU News.