New deal to help patients battling sight loss

EMS-Healthcare, based in Ellesmere Port, has secured a contract with Manchester Royal Eye Hospital to provide a mobile medical unit that will help specialists treat hundreds of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) – a condition that causes progressive sight loss.

The 12-month contract will see the new Macular Treatment Centre operational at Trafford General Hospital five days a week, treating patients of Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

The medical unit is expected to treat up to 40 patients a day with an injectable drug to prevent the condition getting worse.

An increasing number of ophthalmology units across the UK do not currently have the space or capacity to deal with increasing demand for the treatment.

EMS-Healthcare converted the interior of its Liberty Plus medical trailer to create an environment that includes reception and waiting areas, two visual acuity lanes, two consultation rooms, an examination room and a dedicated clean room for injections.

Sajjad Mahmood,  consultant ophthalmic surgeon and clinical lead for Macular at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital said:  “Our aim is to provide a convenient, high quality and responsive service for local people without them having to travel into Manchester for expert eye care. 

“This is a major expansion of our macular service that will enable us to treat many more patients than at present.”

Suzie Nield, EMS-Healthcare business delivery manager said: “We’re proud to be working with Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist eye treatments.

“This is the third cutting-edge eye care facility of its kind that we have provided to help meet the rise in requirement for ophthalmic services at eye treatment centres.

“It’s important to us that treatment is undertaken in a clinical yet stress-free environment, so as well as adhering to strict NHS standards the unit is comfortable and welcoming.”