Tier 4 surgical weight loss (bariatric) procedures are almost always regarded as procedures 'not normally funded' by the NHS and therefore prior approval needs to be sought. Sometime this is done through the local PCT but in the South East Coast and South Central Health Authorities it is done through Specialised Commissioners.
The pages on this site have both the contact details and copies of the documentation that has to be used to obtain prior authorisation.
When the bariatric unit receives an approved referral it will send out a form for the patient to complete that will help us streamline the assessment process. As soon as this completed form is returned by the patient an appointment date will be sent out. The clinical pathway that we operate is fully 18 week complaint.
If you have any questions or concerns please call us on 01243 831655 or by fax on 01243 831546