FOI 2025/1510

We are conducting research into NHS funding criteria for hand surgery procedures that may have both cosmetic and functional components. I would be grateful if you could provide responses to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:

1. Do you either routinely fund, or provide criteria-based access to funding for any hand surgery procedures that may be considered partly aesthetic (e.g. removal of benign lumps, ganglion cysts, Dupuytren’s contracture with mild deformity, trigger finger release or scar revision)?
2. If you do provide criteria-based access, please provide details of the criteria, or indicate where this information can be found.
3. Are there specific conditions or functional thresholds that must be met before funding is approved (e.g. pain, impairment of hand function, or occupational impact)?
4. Is prior approval required before listing patients for such procedures?
5. How long has the current policy been in place, and are there any planned or pending changes to this policy?

1. Please see NHS GM webpage for the list of treatments that are funded in relation to the hand. Greater Manchester Individual Funding Request (GM IFR) Service | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (gmintegratedcare.org.uk)
2. Please refer to the link provided in the response to question 1.
3. Please refer to the link provided in the response to question 1.
4. Please refer to the link provided in the response to question 1.
5. The current GM Body contouring commissioning statement (please refer to the link provided in the response to question 1) was implemented in July 2019. When clinical commissioning statements are due to be reviewed these are posted on NHS GM’s website along with a copy of the plain English version of the evidence review and any suggested changes for comment. Get involved | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership