Have your say on seven updated NHS policies

People living across the Fylde Coast have been invited to have their say on seven proposed updated NHS policies, which have been brought into line with national policy following instruction from NHS England.

NHS England has recently introduced mandatory guidance for a range of surgical procedures which clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) – the organisations which plan and buy health and care services – are expected to adopt as clinical policies.

Where clinical policies already exist, the CCGs need to align them with the new guidance. Seven existing policies held by the CCGs on the Fylde Coast need to be amended to align with the NHS England guidance. 

It comes as part of work by the NHS across Lancashire to standardise policies to ensure a consistent and fair approach; update current policies in accordance with national guidelines and best clinical practice; and to make sure it is using its limited resources to maximum effect.

The CCGs across Lancashire and South Cumbria wish to inform patients and members of the public about these new policies and to invite them to consider if the introduction of these policies will have an adverse effect on patients or groups of patients.  If this is the case, there may be something the CCGs can do to minimise the impact of this.

To view the policies and have their say, people can visit https://www.healthierlsc.co.uk/commissioningpolicy/current-clinical-policy-reviews

The updated policies are:

  • Surgical treatment of carpel tunnel syndrome (pressure on a nerve in the wrist causing tingling, numbness and pain in the hand and fingers)
  • Tonsillectomy/adeno-tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils)
  • Surgical release of trigger finger (swelling of tendons causing difficulty moving the finger)
  • Management of otitis media with effusion (fluid build-up in the middle ear) using grommets
  • Breast reduction surgery
  • Surgical management of gynaecomastia (enlarged male breasts)
  • Removal of benign skin lesions

Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, chief clinical officer for NHS Blackpool and NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), said: “CCGs must take account of the latest guidance when formulating their commissioning polices.  In this instance NHS England has issued the latest guidance on these procedures.  We need to ensure they are introduced in an open, fair and transparent manner.

“A key role for the CCG is to inform residents of these changes and to give them an opportunity to raise any concerns.

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

Comments on the policies will close on Monday 1 July 2019.

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