Help us to help you.....

.....Get fit for your operation

Questions you may have

Here are the most commonly asked questions about our health and wellbeing programme.  

How do I enrol on to the weight management service?

Your GP will refer you to the weight management service with your consent. You may wish to take time to think about joining. Your GP will still refer you and within approximately 48 hours a Healthy Lifestyle Officer will contact you to discuss whether you would like to join or not. You can withdraw from the programme at any time.

How do I enrol on to the stop smoking service?

You can enrol yourself, find out more about the Healthier Futures stop smoking service and arrange an appointment by calling 0330 236 9102

Where do I go for the weight management service?

The service is available in all East Riding of Yorkshire. Your Healthy Lifestyle Officer will agree the programme that best suits you and book you in so you can attend the weight management service at your nearest one. 

To find out more infroamtion go to Healthier Futures Website

Alternatively, you can pay to join a weight loss service such as Weight Watchers or get useful tips on how to improve your diet and lose weight.

Where do I go for the stop smoking service?

You can enrol yourself, find out more about the Healthier Futures stop smoking service and arrange an appointment by calling 0330 236 9102

Free help and advice is available at smokefree or by calling the NHS smoking helpline 0800 169 0169.

What happens once I have completed my health and wellbeing programme?

At the end of your 6-month health and wellbeing programme, you can contact your practice to talk about your health and recommendations for your operation.

What happens if I manage to get my BMI below 30 before 6 months?

You can contact your GP practice to talk about your health and recommendations for your operation.

What happens if I managed to stop smoking before 6 months?

If you manage to stop smoking for more than 4 weeks, you can contact your GP practice to talk about your health and recommendations for your operation.

Proof of quitting will be required from your health trainer.

What happens if I haven’t managed to lose weight or stop smoking after the 6-month health and wellbeing programme?

We do strongly recommend that you try to adopt a healthier lifestyle to reduce the risk of complications during and after your operation. However, if you are unable to lose weight or stop smoking, you can make a follow-up appointment with your GP Practice to discuss your health and whether you still require a referral for your operation.

Can my GP still refer me for tests or a consultant’s opinion?

Your GP Practice can still refer you for tests. If the tests reveal you need a non-urgent routine operation, the hospital will write to inform your GP Practice. You will then be encouraged to complete the 6-month health and wellbeing programme to lose weight prior to your operation.

What if I was previously refused a hip/knee operation?

Visit your GP Practice to talk about your health and discuss your options. If you a BMI or 30 and over, you will be encouraged to take part in the Health and Wellbeing Programme.

Are there any exemptions to the programme?

Yes, there are a number of exemptions from the health and wellbeing programme:

• Patients needing urgent or emergency surgery
• Patients undergoing surgery for cancer
• Patients undergoing tests for suspicion of cancer
• Patients with a BMI of 30 or greater, but who have a waist measurement less than 94cm/37 inches (males) 80cm/31 inches (females)
• Patients with a severe mental health illness, learning disability or significant cognitive impairment
• Patients referred for a diagnostic intervention e.g. endoscopy
• Children under 18 years of age
• Frail patients
• Patients referred for eye surgery, dentistry or oral surgery
• Patients with a medical condition where BMI is not an appropriate measure
• Patients requiring a vasectomy
• Any procedures under Local Anaesthetic

Where do I go if I have any concerns or queries?

Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) provide information and advice on local NHS services for patients, their families and carers. If you have any questions or concerns about this change in policy, you can contact our Patient Relations Service by:

• Telephone: 01482 672047
• Email: ERYCCG.ComplaintsAndConcerns@nhs.net

• Address: Patient Relations, Health House, Grange Park Lane, Willerby, HU10 6DT