NHS aftercare..??

Me1e · January 6, 2009

HI all.... I was so determined to have a gastric band that I went private & paid for the operation myself. My doctor did not even consider referring me on NHS.... What i'd like to know is if its possible to get aftercare/fills funded by NHS if you go private initially.... i've paid the large amount & now want to ensure that the band works right for me but can't afford to keep paying for fills & unfills!

thanks

Maincat · January 6, 2009

Ask the NHS on 0845 4647

NHS Direct at NHS Direct - We're Here Whenever You Need Health Advice & Information

Me1e · January 7, 2009

i've got a bit of a phone phobia... hence postin on here!! lol

I'd feel silly and wouldn't know what to say - i thought the NHS direct is for emergency illnesses etc..?

I just wanted to know if anyone else had managed to get assistane with aftercare from NHS when they originally went private.... can you give any indication on this..?

thanks

Maincat · January 7, 2009

NHS Direct give information about health issues as well as advice about illnesses. Try them. At least go to the website.

You probably didn't get referred by your doctor as you didn't meet the criteria for NHS funding. Am I correct? If so, I doubt that you would get NHS funding for fills. At least that would be my guess. You won't know until you ask them. I had NHS funding as I met the criteria and was lucky in that my PCT supported me.

libertysuzanne · January 7, 2009

I had my band done privately 2 years ago, and I spoke to my GP after the private fill Dr i was seeing told me I could have them done on the NHS!

I got reffered to Dr Sigurddson (sp?) and I have been using him ever since. It really does depend on your PCT. We are fortunate in having 2 lapband surgeons in Shropshire, which apparently is as rare as hens teeth.

I went private, not because I wouldn't fit the criteria, but because I felt guilty i had got myself into the mess in the first place and I didn't want to sponge off the NHS. At least with the fills it is once in a blue moon and if anything goes wrong I don't have to worry about any confusion.

I hope this helps Sal

Sx