Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is looking to cut funding for non-medical male circumcision in an effort to save money.
South Cheshire, Vale Royal, West Cheshire, Eastern Cheshire and Wirral CCGs, launched a consultation to cut a range of services, including dermatological treatments, IVF and some knee replacement surgeries, in an effort to save over £9 million.
Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is looking to cut funding for non-medical male circumcision in an effort to save money.
South Cheshire, Vale Royal, West Cheshire, Eastern Cheshire and Wirral CCGs, launched a consultation to cut a range of services, including dermatological treatments, IVF and some knee replacement surgeries, in an effort to save over £9 million.
One of the few CCGs that still offers non-therapeutic male circumcision on the NHS, Wirral CCG said “there is no clinical value to circumcision for religious reasons” and cutting the service will bring it in line with other local CCGs.
However the CCG warned of the potential risk that “patients may consider alternative methods of circumcision which may be unsafe and lead to increased risk of infection.”
The five CCGs are also looking to cut funding for some knee replacements. Only people experiencing severe pain and “features of severe disease” in three parts of the knee will be funded.
Furthermore, patients with frozen shoulder will have had to suffer with the condition for a year and have tried every other treatment before surgery would be funded.
Dr Mike Clark, CCG clinical lead for the proposals, said: "This is the first time that CCGs in this area have come together to seek the views of the public and stakeholders as we continue with our programme of changes.
“Our aim is to ensure that the services we provide are effective and sustainable while we continue to encourage people to lead healthier lives.
“It is important for us to make the best use of our resources and we are encouraging people to have their say."
Earlier this month Wirral CCG cut funding for homeopathic treatments after a consultation revealed 95% of respondents wanted it cut.
