Since 2009, funding for varicose vein surgery has been rationed by our local PCT.

Currently, we are able to treat patients with a CEAP classification of 5 & 6 only.

This means, individuals with severe skin staining, pre-ulceration, ulceration or significant bleeding from the vein.

As a trust, we currently receive approximately 15-20 referrals per week for varicose vein management.

Prior to rationing, symptomatic patients would have been offered intervention.

Approximately, only 5-10% of those patients referred via GPs are actually suitable for treatment using current rationing guidelines.

Compression stockings

Foam Sclerotherapy

Radio Frequency Ablation

Surgery

GPVASCULAR

TEAMHOME

ORTHOTICTEAM

HOMEORTHOTIC

TEAM

EVENTUALLY HOME WITH A PAIR OF STOCKINGS!

GPVASCULAR

TEAMHOME

o History & Examination

o Measure

o Fit stocking

o Take payment

o Copy of prescription to GP

Budget Training Orthotic workload Payment Stock – ordering / storage Time constraints Single site / both sites

Quotations from different companies View available stock Negotiate price Organise consignment stock Storage Meet with Pharmacy re: payment Organise training

- Team - OPD Staff members

Improve patient journey – delivering a more efficient, time effective service

Fewer appointments utilised Patients receiving treatment

immediately Patient not travelling back and forth Better purchasing freedom