Free treatments face axe by NHS
NHS WEST Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says it is proposing to withdraw funding for a series of treatments to local patients.
The move will mean the removal of treatments previously available free on the NHS and will provide a boost to the growing private health sector.
Treatments which the CCG is proposing to no longer fund are focused on “cosmetic procedures”, when the main purpose of this is to change the appearance of a part of the body.
This applies to anyone of any age.
Only cosmetic procedures where the main purpose is to treat a functional or medical problem, and that meet the criteria in the policy, would be funded.
The types of procedures that are being proposed as part of this policy include problems with breast implants, split ear lobes and tattoos.
West Lancashire CCG is working on the changes in conjunction with the other seven CCGs in Lancashire and South Cumbria to review clinical policies throughout the region.
As well as aiming to save money, the CCGs say that they need to “review their clinical policies to ensure a consistent and fair approach; update current policies in accordance with national guidelines and best clinical practice and to make sure they are using its limited resources to maximum effect”.
Residents are being asked what they think over a 12-week consultation period with open forum events planned for each CCG area.
They are encouraged to read the revised draft policy on the commissioning of cosmetic procedures.
People can provide their feedback and comments now and throughout the 12 weeks by completing a feedback survey, which is available on the CCG’s website: www.westlancashireccg.nhs.uk.
Policies and surveys can be posted out for any residents who do not have access to a computer by calling the CCG on 01695 588 000.
Greg Mitten, chief officer of West Lancs Council for Voluntary Service and lay member for patient and public involvement at NHS West Lancashire CCG, said: “The CCG is responsible for commissioning a wide range of clinical services, including GP services, hospital services, community, mental health and learning disability services, for and on behalf of, the local population of which we serve.
“We need to ensure this is done in an open, fair and transparent manner but in so doing we must consider the limited resources we have.
“This policy which is up for consultation may have an impact on many of our residents, so it is really vital that our population have their say on what we are proposing.”
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