Eye Health Alliance is appointed chair of the Health Hotel
28 January 2009
The Eye Health Alliance, a coalition of optical bodies and eye care charities, has been appointed Chair of the Health Hotel, a collaborative venture which organises a series of events at the main political party conferences each year.
The Health Hotel brings together over 35 high profile organisations that all have a strong interest in health policy, by working together, top health issues are brought forward and debated at a key time in the political calendar. These events are attended and supported by health ministers, health spokespeople and a wide range of Parliamentarians who help to influence and shape health policy.
The Alliance will hold the position as Chair of the Health Hotel for the year 2009, taking effect in February. As the next general election approaches, this is a timely opportunity for the eye health sector to be in a position to influence policy and assure that eye health is at the top of the political agenda.
Heather Marshall for the Eye Health Alliance said:
“There is a natural synergy between the Health Hotel and the Eye Health Alliance and we look forward to working closely, as we have during our time as vice chair, with all members of the Health Hotel to represent the interests of the public, patients, clients and carers we support at the highest political level. This is a tremendous opportunity for the optical sector to push eye health further up the agenda and we fully embrace it.”
David Hewlett, Chief Executive at the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) said:
“Never have health, social care, professional and support systems been more important to the people of this country. They will be big-ticket items at the General Election, with the added concerns raised by the current financial crisis. I speak on behalf of all my colleagues in the optical sector when I say how honoured we are to be chairing the Health Hotel at this crucial time.”
Steve Winyard, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the RNIB said:
"We're delighted to be part of this year's Health Hotel. It's a great opportunity to raise awareness among policy makers of the importance of eye health and the prevalence of sight loss - especially at a time when our population is aging and more and more people are at risk of sight loss."
