The Electronic Staff Record (ESR) data for qualified staff is much more accurate, due to our previous efforts, but it is clear that our orthoptic support workforce have not been properly recorded. Without this data it is difficult to know how many services employ orthoptic assistants.

It would be really helpful if all Heads of Service could contact their Informatics department and ensure the support staff who are managed and supervised by the orthoptic manager are appropriately coded.

• Band 4 and Band 5  Orthoptic assistants should be coded as S5
• Band 2 and Band 3 Orthoptic assistants should be coded as S9

More information on occupational codes can be found at  https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/areas-of-interest/workforce/nhs-occupation-codes

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If you are interested in finding out more:

Access our Support Workforce Hub

Read our Support Workforce Vision Statement