Surgery ban for the obese and smokers 'won't affect people needing vasectomy'

People who are obese or smoke face a six-month ban on routine surgery

Why are the CCG doing this?

The CCG says they want to "encourage and empower patients to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices."

They say "the point of referral to a surgical speciality is an opportune moment for people to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing."

Hull Royal Infirmary - one of the four hospitals where the ban will be in place

Who is affected?

Anyone with a BMI of over 35 or is an active smoker

The CCG estimates there will be around 1,000 less operations at four hospitals, Hull Royal Infirmary, Castle Hill Hospital, Goole Hospital, and Scarborough Hospital where patients from Bridlington are sent.

What kind of operations will it affect?

Hip and knee, plastic surgery, urology and vascular surgery

What are the exclusions?

Any urgent surgery; diagnostic referrals for cancer; patients with severe mental health illness

Anyone with a BMI of over 35 - but a waist measurement of less than 94cms in males or 80cms in females

Children under 18 or the elderly

Ophthamology, vasectomy, and people who use E-cigs

What happens in an exceptional case?

The patient could be referred to the Individual Funding Request Panel

Criteria include "uncontrollable pain" and a worsening mental condition

Where will people be referred for help?

The CCG is spending £200,000 on weight management programmes run at 10 East Riding leisure centres

People taking part will get a free leisure centre pass and parking inbetween sessions run by health trainers.

They may choose to go to Weight Watchers or Slimming World, or not take any formal support at all

What happens after six months if people haven't stopped smoking or lost weight?

The CCG says: "If they don't reach their target weight loss or stop smoking after six months they will still be put forward for surgery."