HEALTH bosses have admitted that a vital screening service to prevent people suffering from diabetes losing their sight was allowed to lapse for two years.

Officials from North Tees Primary Care Trust (PCT) have conceded that a camera used to pick up changes to patients' eyes was withdrawn from service several years ago - despite having previously said that screening had continued.

Since the diabetic retinopathy camera at North Tees Hospital was taken out of service, newly-diagnosed diabetics from the North Tees area may have missed out on regular checks.

The gap in the service was highlighted by the case of Graham Maloney, 58, who was referred to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, for a retinal scan by his GP earlier this year, because the service was no longer available locally.

Initially, he was told he was not eligible because he was from outside the area.

Diabetes UK advises sufferers to have regular retinal checks.

Mr Maloney insisted on seeing a specialist at the James Cook hospital but, after being told that he would have to wait five months, he decided to drive to the Moorfields eye hospital in London and see a consultant privately.

Mr Maloney, who has had laser treatment to correct his sight problems, said: "I only stumbled on this situation by mistake. I think it is an absolute disgrace."

An initial statement by North Tees PCT last month claimed that the screening service has continued.

But, after complaints by Mr Maloney, Amanda Grange, retinal screening services manager for North Tees PCT, said: "Retinal screening has always been part of the diabetic screening process for both newly-diagnosed and existing diabetic patients.

"Unfortunately, the camera at the University Hospital of North Tees reached the end of its useful life, and it was agreed it was unwise to replace it while details of the new national screening programme were being decided.

"However, people with diabetes did have the option of going to some opticians to have their retinas checked.

"Also, any patient under the care of a consultant ophthalmologist would have their retina checked as a regular part of their care.

"We accept though, the service was not what it should have been. We welcome this national programme, which brings a consistent high standard of retinal screening and recall for people with diabetes."

Ms Grange said that the new service will be available at Thornaby Health Centre for patients living north of the Tees from November.