WIREDGOV

NHS Confederation Primary Care Trust Network Director David Stout said:

"It is right that surgeons should get together to start measuring the efficacy of the work they do and set the standards for services to be improved in future.

"While surgery will always be an important part of dealing with increasing obesity, the most cost effective solution is to make sure that people do not get to the stage of needing surgery in the first place.

"The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) provides PCTs and the GP consortia that will replace them with guidance on which patients should be considered for weight-loss surgery as part of a wider strategy to address obesity.  They also have to have public health strategies in place which encourage a healthier diet and lifestyle.

“PCTs need to balance their priorities across a wide range of services, taking into account NICE guidance in the context local needs.  But it is important that all commissioners are transparent in their decision-making.”

Contacts

Francesca Reville
020 7074 3312
Francesca.Reville@nhsconfed.org

Niall Smith
020 7074 3304
Niall.Smith@nhsconfed.org

James Pritchard
020 7074 3437
James.Pritchard@nhsconfed.org