Private Surgery
Aftercare for patients who have self-funded bariatric surgery is not routinely commissioned by Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB within the NHS locally and is not available from the practice. Post-operative support requires specialist input that may be available from the provider that undertook your surgery or via an alternative self-funded route. Specialist NHS services provide this aftercare for patients who have undergone their bariatric surgery within the NHS.
If you had your bariatric surgery abroad:
Government advice, NHS advice and some patient support groups’ advice on accessing treatment abroad, all advise that patients must be clear about how aftercare will be coordinated and provided after their surgery, and that patients may be responsible for costs of the aftercare and of possible return trips associated with aftercare. Patients who have paid for bariatric surgery abroad have a responsibility to review and plan for all points in the recommended Treatment Abroad checklist (https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/treatment-abroad-checklist/) and can choose to buy a standalone package of post-operative care through a UK independent sector provider, or other non-UK provider. It is important to understand how medical treatment abroad works and what risks are involved. If you do not follow correct procedures, you may have to pay the full costs of your treatment. You can find more information online here: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/going-abroad-for-medical-treatment/.
Please be reassured that NHS emergency services are available should any emergency treatment be required as a result of any issues arising from bariatric surgery.
Pregnancy and flying
There is no statutory requirement for GPs to complete airline forms for patients. If necessary, the midwifery or Obstetrics team would be better placed to complete the form.
Fear of Flying
We are occasionally asked by patients to prescribe medication for fear of flying.
We regret that henceforth we are not able to facilitate these requests on the grounds of patient safety.
Private Shared Care
We are unable to enter shared care agreements with private providers and advise that this is factored into your decision to access private care. Medications and tests requested through the private sector should be prescribed and organised by the private specialist.
Sick notes for Education
There is no letter or sick note for education purposes but you may find
this letter
helpful.