Some health treatments may no longer be available for some patients

A REVIEW of more than 100 treatment policies by health chiefs at Warrington could result in some treatments no longer being available for some patients.
Although some of the treatments to be reviewed are cosmetic, they also include cataracts and removal of piles.
NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group is working with CCGs in Halton, Knowsley, Southport and Formby, St Helens and Liverpool to agree a number of clinical procedures to ensure that patients receive the appropriate healthcare in the right place at the right time.
Warrington CCG stresses that none of the procedures will be stopped completely. But the proposed changes could mean that some patients no longer meet the new clinical criteria for treatment.
Dr Dan Bunstone (pictured), local GP and chairman of NHS Warrington CCG said: “The quality of care given to patients is the most important factor in reviewing these policies.
“At the moment, the criteria for access to the procedures in the review vary between areas. This can result in inconsistency in which procedures patients are offered are dependent upon where they live.
“We believe that by having a more standardised set of policies we can deliver a more equitable service for patients across the region.
“By working together with fellow CCGs, we can also make sure that our NHS resources are being spent in the best way, looking at how the latest medical advice can result in the most appropriate treatment and outcomes for our patients.”
Treatments being reviewed over the next few months in the first phase of the programme include removal of piles, laser tattoo removal and treatments for hair loss.
If a patient doesn’t meet the new criteria in the policy, but the GP or consultant believes that their circumstances are exceptional, an individual funding request for the procedure can be submitted to the CCG.
All of the policies being reviewed and details of how to have a say can be see on the website www.warringtonccg.nhs.uk until September 18.
The full list of policies open for engagement in phase one of the review is as follows:
Hemorrhoidectomy, hair removal treatment, surgical revision of scars, rhinoplasty, cataract, female reduction of mammoplasty, augmentation mammoplasty, removal of breast implants, male breast reduction, laser tattoo removal, abdominoplasty and apronectomy, cosmetic surgery for body contouring, face and brow lift, penile implants, treatment for hair loss and surgical removal of skin lesions.