28.04.2020 - OW Collaborative working
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As you are aware, there is a divergence in Wales eye care policy to those developed<br />
in the other UK nations. Managing this divergence in policies, whilst monitoring the<br />
planned and unplanned College of Optometry Guidance and Royal College of<br />
Ophthalmology Guidance, is not an easy task; however, Sali has embraced these<br />
challenges with unwavering professionalism.<br />
NHS Wales is currently facing the most testing time in its more than 70-year<br />
history. As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, Optometry Wales share the<br />
pressures and challenges of the pandemic with other professional colleagues and<br />
continues, with the Welsh Government to navigate through these unchartered<br />
waters. As a single point of contact for the profession, Sali has been a key player,<br />
supporting NHS Wales, the Welsh Government, Third Sector and others to develop<br />
national guidance for the profession to continue to work in these difficult<br />
circumstances.<br />
It is extremely helpful for the Welsh Government to have a single point of contact for<br />
the optometric profession in Wales. The strong <strong>working</strong> relationship that exist<br />
between Optometry Wales Chief Executive and the Welsh Government has been<br />
central to the decision making process. Sali has not been afraid of making difficult<br />
decisions in relation to properly directing the business and this has been vital in a<br />
fast moving environment. Communicating directly with 795 optometrists across<br />
Wales would be untenable.<br />
As you are aware, disseminating consistent information and key messages is a<br />
priority for the Welsh Government Sensory Branch. The role of Optometry Wales<br />
Chief Executive includes Chairing the Welsh Governments national Sensory<br />
Communication Advisory Group. To date, Sali has worked hard to bring together,<br />
the communications leads from across the seven health boards and Third Sector to<br />
work with eye care and audiology professionals. Sali has ensured the<br />
Communications Group advises the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and other key<br />
stakeholders on key strategic communications messages for both the public and<br />
healthcare professions. Mindful of the conflicting priorities across the sector, Sali has<br />
continued to take the initiative to work with the Welsh Government Sensory Branch<br />
to develop key messages and national guidance.<br />
Since 2017, I have personally worked closely with Sali and the knowledge she has<br />
built up over the past ten years has been invaluable in helping to inform decisions<br />
across the whole sector. My role has been enhanced by Sali’s consistent approach<br />
to challenges, particularly during the current Coronavirus pandemic.<br />
As we move into the next phase of recovery, more conversations will be needed to<br />
make swift decisions. This phase will again present new challenges for us to<br />
overcome, and it is important to ensure these conversations are happening now.<br />
Rydym yn croesawu derbyn gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg. Byddwn yn ateb gohebiaeth a dderbynnir yn Gymraeg yn Gymraeg ac ni<br />
fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg yn arwain at oedi.<br />
We welcome receiving correspondence in Welsh. Any correspondence received in Welsh will be answered in Welsh and<br />
corresponding in Welsh will not lead to a delay in responding.<br />
Parc Cathays ● Cathays Park<br />
Caerdydd ● Cardiff<br />
CF10 3NQ<br />
Gwefan ● website:<br />
www.llyw.cymru<br />
www.gov.wales