Have your say on surgery in NHS

PEOPLE are encouraged to have their say on Clinical Commissioning Group policies in Lancashire.

NHS East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are working in partnership with the other seven CCGs in Lancashire to review clinical policies across the region.

The eight CCGs across Lancashire have all agreed that there is a need to review their policies.

Six draft policies are available for patient and public engagement and feedback.

These policies are the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, tonsillectomy, the surgical release of trigger finger, endoscopic knee procedures, male circumcision and a new policy on diabetic insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices.

Residents can read the draft policy documents and provide feedback and comments by completing surveys available on the Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire CCG website.

Dr Chris Clayton, clinical chief officer at NHS Blackburn with Darwen CCG, said: “Blackburn with Darwen CCG is responsible for commissioning a wide range of clinical services, including secondary (hospital), community and mental health services and for paying for those services, for and on behalf of the local population. In some areas this also includes commissioning GP services. We need to ensure this is done in an open, fair and transparent manner but in so doing we must take into account the limited resources we have.”

Dr Phil Huxley, chairman of East Lancashire CCG, added: “A key role for the CCG is to develop clinical policies that help us make decisions about the use of those limited resources.

“I would encourage any resident with an interest in these policies to visit the CCG website and have their say.”