Heartbeat: Positive views as Tower Hill begins eye care service

October 29, 2019

Patients with age-related macular degeneration can now receive intravitreal injections at Tower Hill Medical Practice in Perry Barr. This service is delivered by ophthalmology clinicians from our organisation every Tuesday – part of the ongoing assessment of services and desire to provide closer to home care.

These injections into the eye help to preserve and can even improve vision. The procedure helps patients to stay independent. It helps to reduce falls, prevent injury and generally improve mental wellbeing. The move enables theatres at both Sandwell and City Hospitals to focus on more advanced care procedures.

Muriel Gillgrass, 85, of West Bromwich, was one of the first to utilise the new service at Tower Hill. Speaking to Heartbeat she said “I came in today to have an injection in my right eye and it went very well. Everybody is very friendly and it was completed in a nice room. I’ve never been here before, so it was quite an experience.”

“By moving this service into the community we’re able to expand our capacity to treat patients” explained Muhammad Jawad, Ophthalmology Consultant. “Those that have experienced the procedure are impressed with the quiet and calmer environment. It’s helpful for patients, particularly those who live in this area.”

Laura Young, Directorate Lead Nurse for Ophthalmology added “The GP practice at Tower Hill provides an alternative to patients having to come into a busy hospital. It supports our closer to home care vision. The facilities at Tower Hill comply with all the environmental and infection control measures expected in a hospital. The familiarity of a GP surgery may help to reduce anxiety for our patients. We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Tower Hill practice and look forward to developing our relationship further.”