Important update on NHS Specialist Weight Management Services

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NHS Specialist Weight Management Services are provided by Oviva in Mid Essex and by Morelife in Basildon and Brentwood, Castle Point and Rochford and Southend.

Over the past 12 months referrals into these services have more than doubled, leading to the waiting list growing significantly and exceeding the number of NHS places available to our patients.

As a result, NHS Mid and South Essex has made the decision to temporarily pause referrals into the service. By doing this, we will be able to explore other potential options, review patient demand and how services are being accessed, to then make an informed decision about the way forward.

The access criteria may well be reviewed, which could impact who will be eligible for specialist weight management services in the future.

What this means for residents

If you are currently on the waiting list for one of these services you should have received a letter to inform you of this, which includes information on alternative programmes that can be used for support and advice whilst waiting.

If you are looking for support in achieving a healthy weight, there are several alternative weight management programmes available to you in your area. We would recommend you explore an option you haven’t used before. Often people have to try more than one weight loss programme before they find one that best suits them.

Access to weight loss medication(s)

Recently we have received a number of enquiries about accessing the weight loss drug called Wegovy™. In mid and south Essex, and in line with NICE guidance, this drug is only currently available through specialist Tier 3 weight management services and not via GPs. The temporary pause in referrals means that access to the medication will be limited until NHS Mid and South Essex approves an option to manage demand and access to the Tier 3 weight management service going forward.