FOI 2026/1624

We are a group of Plastic Surgery trainees conducting research into NHS funding criteria for Bariatric surgery procedures following massive weight loss. I would be grateful if you could provide responses to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:

For each of the questions below please provide any relevant policies and information, including how long the policy has been in place and/or if a policy is being planned, considered, or is potentially changing in the future:

1. Do you routinely fund, or provide criteria-based access to funding for, bariatric surgery for obesity?
2. If you do provide criteria-based access, please provide details of the criteria (for example BMI thresholds, comorbidities, requirements for prior lifestyle interventions etc), or tell me where this information can be found.
3. If you provide either criteria-based access or routine funding, which bariatric procedures are funded (for example sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gastric banding, other procedures)?
4. If you provide criteria-based funding, is any form of prior approval or Individual Funding Request (IFR) required before listing the patient?
5. How long has the current bariatric surgery policy been in place, and are there any planned or pending changes to this policy?

1. Yes, NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) routinely funds bariatric surgery for patients who meet the eligibility criteria.

2. NHS GM commissions the tier 4 bariatric service from the Northern Care Alliance as part of their block contract. Further information on the service can be found at Bariatrics and Weight Management :: Northern Care Alliance. For further information, you may wish to contact the provider directly. In line with Section 16 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, please find below a link to the Trust’s website and information about how to submit a FOI request.

Freedom of Information Requests :: Northern Care Alliance

3. NHS GM does not hold the list of all procedures offered; therefore, it will be necessary for you to contact the provider directly for the information you seek. Please see the response to question 3 for a link to the Trusts website and information about how to make a FOI request.

4. N/A

5. N/A