NHS 'rationing' sparks surge in private varicose veins ops

Transform, the UK's longest established cosmetic surgery provider, has today reported a 55% increase in enquiries from patients suffering from varicose veins.

The decision by the NHS to stop treating patients, often referred to as 'treatment rationing' by commentators, means sufferers now have no option but to pay for private treatment. Alternatively they need to wait until the symptoms become severe enough for them to have the treatment on the NHS.

It is all part of a Government order that the NHS must make up to £20bn of savings by 2015.

Patients commonly complain that varicose veins, caused by swollen or enlarged veins, can be debilitating, chronic and often extremely painful, in addition to being unsightly.

Transform has been offering varicose vein treatments at seven of its clinics nationwide since the NHS rationing came into force and has reported a 55% year-on-year increase in varicose vein enquiries from February to August this year.

Indeed, such is the demand for varicose vein treatment at Transform that bosses have reported that the condition now makes up 3.5% of all patient enquiries.

The surge in private varicose vein treatment comes after some worried GPs reported that they are being told not to refer patients for treatment on the NHS any more.

Transform chief operating officer, Pat Dunion, said: "The people most often affected by varicose veins are usually in jobs that involve standing for long periods of time - policemen, schoolteachers, shop-workers, hairdressers and cleaners.

"It can have a massive impact on their lives, at home and at work, causing them severe discomfort.

"It is no coincidence we've seen a very large increase in enquiries for varicose vein treatments at Transform. We offer a range of treatments for the condition depending on the severity of the problem.

"And, clearly, we are now seeing a huge uptake in those treatments."

Transform uses the latest laser treatment to remove varicose veins. EVLA, Endovenous Laser Ablation is the latest minimally invasive treatment with a 95% success rate. The veins are removed completely during the procedure which takes less than an hour under local anaesthetic, allowing for quicker recovery time than traditional vein removal.

Transform Cosmetic Surgery Group is Britain's largest and most popular cosmetic surgery group network with 38 years experience and 27 clinics across the UK

Transform offer a comprehensive and extensive post-operative care programme for all procedures, which is included in the cost of the treatments. The programme serves to ensure that recovery is as swift and problem free as possible.

Transform work with highly qualified and specialist cosmetic surgeons and nursing staff.

Find out more information at www.transforminglives.co.uk