 |
|
Front Page | |
World | |
UK | |
UK Politics | |
Business | |
Sci/Tech | |
Health | |
Education | |
Sport | |
Entertainment | |
Talking Point | |
| |
| |
| |
| On Air Feedback Low Graphics Help |
|
Friday, October 23, 1998 Published at 17:39 GMT 18:39 UK
Health
Tattoo cutback for sorry Scots
Tattoos: here to stay unless you pay in Tayside
Scots who regret a decision to have "I love Mum" emblazoned across their chests are the latest victims of NHS rationing.
Tayside Health Board has decided to stop providing tattoo removal on the NHS following an unprecedented rise in demand.
The change in policy means those who want tattoos removed will have to pay between £500 and £1,000 to undergo laser surgery and other removal techniques - unless they can prove they have a psychological need for surgery.
Tayside has the highest level of plastic surgery referrals in Scotland, particularly for low clinical priority cases.
Overwhelming support
Jeanette McMillan, Tayside Health Board's area general manager of acute services, said: "Referrals can be for tattoo removal and small lesions right up to breast reconstruction."
The board had taken the decision to limit tattoo removal after it said consultation showed overwhelming support for the move.
It will save the board £50,000 a year.
The decision will take effect from the end of October.
Ms McMillan said: "As a result of this, the patients who need the much more complex, life-threatening [cosmetic] procedures will get treatment quicker."
~RS~a~RS~international~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~47~RS~)
Health Contents
Background Briefings
Medical notes
|
Relevant Stories 14 Oct 98 | Health The great rationing debate 14 Oct 98 | Health Who gets what? 13 Oct 98 | Health Difficult decisions for the NHS 09 Oct 98 | Health Dobson 'must accept NHS rationing' |
|
Internet Links |
|
NHS Confederation gateway Scottish Centre for European Public Health Sector Studies |
|
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. |
