CCG is criticised for “unfair” policy that delays surgery for patients with BMI over 30

A clinical commissioning group (CCG) in the north of England has been criticised for lowering the body mass index (BMI) threshold at which patients must join a weight management programme before they can have surgery.

From 1 October, East Riding of Yorkshire CCG will require patients with a BMI over 30 to be referred to the Get Fit for Your Operation programme before they join waiting lists for surgery. The previous threshold was a BMI over 35.

The CCG said that the new policy was based on evidence showing clear benefits for patients who had a lower BMI. After six months, patients would become eligible for surgery regardless of whether they had lost weight.

But local GPs and the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) said that the new threshold was “unfair and ignored clinical guidance.” They warned that the policy could increase …