Review of NHS cosmetic services
ASWATHE of mainly cosmetic health services such as breast enlargement and nose jobs are to be reviewed after doctors tabled proposals to tighten the eligibility criteria for a raft of procedures in Runcorn and Widnes.
NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has teamed up with six other CCGS to put more than 100 medical policies under review.
The CCG website said 36 of the items have been reviewed and another 18 have been proposed. Most of these relate to cosmetic procedures.
The 18 proposals relate to tummy tucks, breast enlargement, breast reduction, cataract surgery, face and brow lift, piles removal, excessive hair removal, laser tattoo removal, male breast reduction, male circumcision, ear pinning, breast implant removal, nose jobs, excess skin removal, scar correction, fatty tissue removal, minor skin lesion removal and hair transplants.
Changes include introducing a minimum age of 21 years for breast enlargement, only funding the removal of severe haemorrhoids of grade three or four but not more minor masses, and only allowing children under 16 years to have nose surgery for medical reasons as opposed to psychological reasons.
Public consultation is open until September 18.
An NHS Halton spokeswoman said services are being reviewed to make the best use of resources and medical evidence.
She said that, at present, in some cases treatments and operations are carried out with little or no difference to the patient.
The spokeswoman said this was ‘putting a huge strain on the NHS’ and that the review’s aims include making sure resources put to the best use and to provide more equal access to healthcare and treatment where possible.
The seven CCGs taking part in the review are Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Southport And Formby, South Sefton, St Helens and Warrington.
Dave Sweeney, NHS Halton CCG chief officer, said: “The quality of care given to patients is the most important factor in developing these policies.
“By working together in this review we can make sure that NHS resources are being spent in the best way, looking at the latest medical advice and treatments, getting the best care and outcomes for patients.
“Patients who might not be eligible for treatment will still be able to apply through an individual funding request (IFR) where appropriate.”
View the policy proposals at www.haltonccg. nhs. uk/ get- involved/ reviewing- localhealth-policies ●