If you are new to seeking surgery on the NHS, there are a few bits of information that you might find useful.
Firstly, you need to know which PCT (Primary Care Trust) you come under. If you are not sure, call your GP's surgery and ask.
If you are in England, most of the PCT's are listed on the BOSPA website. http://www.bospa.org/information.aspx?page=46
Most PCT's follow NICE guidelines, which are as follows -
http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/inde...folder&o=30362
http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/inde...r=true&o=32418
BMI of 40 or above, or 35 - 40 with co-morbidities.
To calculate your BMI, you can visit the NHS Calculator. http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Health...ator.aspx?Tag=
If you think you qualify, the first place to start is to visit your GP and ask to be referred for funding. If you are unsure, you can contact your local PCT (google PCT and Name to find website) or local PALS office (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) and ask for clarification on your PCT's referral criteria. These contacts can also be used to clarify the referral process if your GP is unsure/unhelpful.
From there on, all PCTs operate differently. Some will require referral to a surgeon for assessment for suitability prior to funding application, some will require referral to a weight management service or bariatric co-ordinator, and some will require the GP to apply for funding first.
When funding is applied for, it will be considered by a panel as part of the PCT.
The process from GP to surgery varies hugely from one PCT to another, and the timescale can take anything from 2 months to 2 years, or longer.
You can read people's stories in the surgery diaries which form part of this section, but please try not to compare of be put off by those who have had lengthy battles or refusals for funding, as every case is treated differently.
Firstly, you need to know which PCT (Primary Care Trust) you come under. If you are not sure, call your GP's surgery and ask.
If you are in England, most of the PCT's are listed on the BOSPA website. http://www.bospa.org/information.aspx?page=46
Most PCT's follow NICE guidelines, which are as follows -
http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/inde...folder&o=30362
http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/inde...r=true&o=32418
BMI of 40 or above, or 35 - 40 with co-morbidities.
To calculate your BMI, you can visit the NHS Calculator. http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Health...ator.aspx?Tag=
If you think you qualify, the first place to start is to visit your GP and ask to be referred for funding. If you are unsure, you can contact your local PCT (google PCT and Name to find website) or local PALS office (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) and ask for clarification on your PCT's referral criteria. These contacts can also be used to clarify the referral process if your GP is unsure/unhelpful.
From there on, all PCTs operate differently. Some will require referral to a surgeon for assessment for suitability prior to funding application, some will require referral to a weight management service or bariatric co-ordinator, and some will require the GP to apply for funding first.
When funding is applied for, it will be considered by a panel as part of the PCT.
The process from GP to surgery varies hugely from one PCT to another, and the timescale can take anything from 2 months to 2 years, or longer.
You can read people's stories in the surgery diaries which form part of this section, but please try not to compare of be put off by those who have had lengthy battles or refusals for funding, as every case is treated differently.