You can still have your say on proposed changes to NHS procedures in Southport

You can still have your say on proposed changes to NHS procedures in Southport.

There is still time for people in Southport to have their say on proposed changes to a number of different health policies.

Earlier in the summer, public engagement started for the first phase of the reviewing local health policies project. This has seen NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG working together with their counterparts in Halton, Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington CCGs, working together to review more than 100 policies.

The project aims to make sure patients healthcare follows the latest medical guidance and is making the best possible use of NHS resources. This first phase has been looking at 36 different policies, with views being sought from the public, patients and staff for 18 where there are proposed changes. These include nose jobs, removal of breast implants, improvements to guidelines around cataract surgery and updated haemorrhoidectomy guidance.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Since our public engagement started in June, residents have been giving their feedback on the proposed changes and we are still encouraging people to do so. We want to ensure services are up to date with the latest national guidelines, methods and technology, whilst also making the best use of resources.”

Dr Andrew Mimnagh, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “When we make any changes, it’s vital that the views of the public, patients and staff are heard and taken into account.

“However, where patients might not be eligible for treatment following any changes, clinicians will explore other, more suitable treatments or can apply for an individual funding request (IFR) if there is an exceptional circumstance.”

You can view all of the policies being reviewed and have your say by completing the online survey on each Sefton CCG website:www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk or www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk  – open until the 18th September 2017.