Skip to content Back to top
 

NHS Greater Manchester’s (NHS GM) commitment to high-quality, fair, and sustainable healthcare

NHS GM, one of the largest integrated care systems in the country, serves a diverse population of 2.8 million. We need to support people to live happy, healthy lives by providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services, focusing on preventing illnesses where possible or early detection of illness.

To make sure that the NHS can provide the best care for the maximum number of people it is vital that every penny is spent wisely. This means only funding treatments that have been demonstrated to work and where there is also a high likelihood of benefit for as many people as possible and a low likelihood of harm. We always have to bear in mind that carrying out treatment that is not of great health benefit uses up resources that could be spent on really making a difference elsewhere.

Review of some surgical procedures

To improve the quality and efficiency of services, we are reviewing a list of procedures to make sure they are only used when genuinely needed. This is expected to be completed by the end of the March 2025.

We understand that these decisions may be concerning, and we want to reassure you that they are being made with the utmost care and responsibility and aim to improve the quality and efficiency of services.

What this means for patients

 Only specific procedures are being reviewed. Critical care and cancer treatments remain unaffected.

We know patients may be at different points in accessing care and treatment. For instance:

  • If you have already been seen by a clinician and you have a date for your procedure, this will go ahead as planned.
  • If you are waiting for a referral to a clinician, this will still go ahead and the clinician will agree what treatment is right for you, in accordance with the clinical criteria in the Greater Manchester Clinical Policy Statements which can be found here.
  • If you or someone you care for requires a treatment not currently available, healthcare providers can request special approval for urgent cases which will be reviewed promptly, though some delays may occur.

Have your say

We value your input and want to ensure this process is transparent. To be kept up to date with the review, and invited to any opportunities to have your say, please sign up. Your feedback will help us shape the future of healthcare in Greater Manchester.

NHS Greater Manchester is committed to providing care that is fair, accessible, and effective. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for all. We will keep this page updated with some frequently asked questions. If your query is not answered here, you can contact our Patient Services by email nhsgm.patientservices@nhs.net or calling 0161 271 3980, 9am-4pm Monday-Friday.

What surgical procedures are included in this review?

  • Ganglion Cyst Removal (Adults only): Removing a fluid-filled lump near a joint or tendon
  • Tonsillectomy (Adults and Children): Removing the tonsils
  • Trophic Electrical Stimulation (TES) for Facial Palsy (Adults and Children): Using electrical stimulation to help with facial muscle weakness or paralysis
  • Circumcision for Therapeutic Reasons (Adults and Children): Surgically removing the foreskin for medical reasons
  • Common Benign Skin Lesions (Adults and Children): Removing harmless skin growths like moles or warts
  • Dupuytren’s Contracture (Adults and Children): Surgery to straighten fingers that are stuck in a bent position
  • Facet Joint Injections (Adults and Children): Injecting medication into joints in the spine to relieve pain
  • Hyperhidrosis (Adults and Children): Treating excessive sweating
  • Labiaplasty (Adults and Children): Surgery to reshape or reduce the size of the labia
  • Low Back Pain and Sciatica (Adults and Children over 16): Evaluating and treating lower back pain and nerve-related leg pain
  • Sacroneuromodulation for Urinary Retention and Constipation (Adults and Children): Electrical stimulation to help with bladder or bowel problems
  • Varicose Veins (Adults and Children): Treating swollen, twisted veins
  • Drainage of the middle ear (with or without Grommets) (Adults and Children): Removing fluid from the ear, sometimes with small tubes inserted to prevent future buildup
  • Headache disorders (Adults): Diagnosing and treating chronic headaches
  • Out of Contract Spinal Procedures (Adults and Children): Spine-related surgeries not usually covered by standard agreements
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Surgical Interventions for) (Adults and Children): Surgery to relieve pressure on a nerve in the wrist
  • Trigger Finger (Surgical Correction of) (Adults only): Fixing a finger that locks or catches when bent or straightened
  • Dermatochalasis (Correction of) (Adults and Children): Surgery to fix droopy or sagging eyelids
  • Pinnaplasty (Children only): Pinning the ears back if they stick out
  • Breast Surgery (Aesthetic) (Adults and Children): Cosmetic breast procedures like enlargement, reduction, or lift
  • Body Contouring – Apronectomy (Adults only): Removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen
  • Rhinoplasty / Septoplasty / Septo-Rhinoplasty (Adults and Children): Surgery to reshape the nose or correct breathing issues
  • Tattoo Removal (Adults and Children)
  • Common Benign Eyelid Lesions (Removal of) (Adults and Children): Removing harmless growths on the eyelids
  • Haemorrhoids and Anal Skin Tags (Surgical Management) (Adults and Children): Treating swollen veins or skin tags around the anus
  • Repair of Split/Torn Earlobes (Adults and Children): Fixing earlobes that are torn or stretched
  • Hernias (Surgical Repair of) (Adults only): Fixing a bulge caused by an organ pushing through the surrounding muscle or tissue
  • Laser Eye Surgery (Adults and Children): Using lasers to correct vision issues like nearsightedness
  • Squint Surgery (Surgical Correction of Adult Strabismus) (Adults only): Fixing eyes that don’t align properly
  • Asymptomatic Gallstones (Adults and Children): Treating gallstones that aren’t causing symptoms
  • Bunion (Hallux Valgus) Surgery (Adults only): Correcting a bony bump on the side of the foot
  • Rhinosinusitis / Rhinitis / Sinusitis (Adults and Children): Treating nasal and sinus inflammation or infections
  • Communication Aids (Adults and Children): Providing tools like speech devices for those with communication challenges
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for Foot Drop (Adults and Children): Using electrical stimulation to help with walking difficulties caused by weak or paralyzed foot muscles
  • D&C and Hysterectomy for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Adults and Children): Procedures to address heavy periods, including scraping the uterus (D&C) or removing it (hysterectomy)
Launch Recite Me assistive technology