There’s new information for patients who are considering (or who have already had) bariatric surgery – sometimes known as gastric sleeve or gastric band surgery.
New guidance has been issued by the Lothian Interface Group, which has been confirmed with the Lothian Medical Committee and the NHS Lothian Bariatric Surgery Service. We’ve contacted all patients who we’re aware have had this type of procedure.
The new guidance advises that where patients are opting (or have opted) to have their surgery done privately (whether in the UK or overseas) then the NHS isn’t responsible for routine aftercare, including blood monitoring, blood pressure and weight checks and prescription medication.
These services will therefore no longer be carried out at the Practice – therefore if you had bariatric surgery done on a private basis in the UK or overseas we’d need to ask that you contact an appropriate private healthcare provider to arrange routine aftercare going forward. We unfortunately can’t recommend specific private providers to patients.
NHS GPs can’t carry out tests requested by private providers, or interpret test results for tests carried out by private providers. The GMC (General Medical Council) is clear that the clinician requesting a test is responsible for arranging that test, and for following up and acting on the results, and this is the case whether the clinician is working for the NHS or privately.
Where patients have had NHS bariatric surgery, aftercare is the responsibility of the NHS hospital team.
We hope this information is helpful for patients who have had, or may be considering this type of procedure.
Please be aware also that the NHS Lothian weight management service does accept self-referrals from patient and their contact details (including who they can then refer for bariatric surgery) can be found on their website.