Clinical policies

We invited views to help update 25 clinical policies for treatments and procedures in line with the latest evidence of what works best, in the third phase of a harmonisation programme to ensure equal access for patients no matter which part of the area they live in.

A total of 25 policies inherited by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside from predecessor clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) were being reviewed during the lifetime of the programme. This is to remove any variation that exists between different CCG areas and to ensure they meet the most up-to-date medical evidence, guidance and best practice.

These policies cover some specific treatments and procedures, such as acne treatment in hospital and keyhole surgery for hip impingement, which often only benefit certain groups of patients in some particular medical circumstances. The policies set out when and often where these treatments and procedures should be used, and which patients would benefit medically from them.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside had already harmonised and published 84 policies in phases one and two of the programme and you can find them here.

Some changes were proposed to the 25 policies in this latest phase of the programme. In general, the proposed changes were minor, however because they could mean that the way patients access care might be different, people were encouraged to give their views in an online survey to help harmonise and finalise these documents.

People could complete an online questionnaire before Wednesday 19 February 2025, or get in touch to complete the survey in another format.

You can find more detailed information about the programme by reading the supporting document below.