Surgery for varicose veins is a very limited procedure which is only carried out in NHS Scotland in specific situations.  Across all of NHS Scotland, GPs can only refer for varicose vein surgery if patients meet the following criteria:

Patients with venous pigmentation, varicose eczema or ulceration 
Patients with an episode / episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis that either required treatment with low molecular weight heparin or were ultrasound scan proven
Patients who have experienced haemorrhage from a varicose vein
Unfortunately, any referrals that don’t meet one of these criteria will be returned and will not receive a hospital appointment. 

NHS Lothian has been receiving a high number of referrals that don’t meet these criteria and we appreciate your understanding as we manage access to this service. Patients should be given the following patient information leaflet which provides details on self-management.

Divergence from NICE Guidelines: There are significant concerns that the Scottish protocol is more restrictive than the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines used in England, which recommend referral for any patient with symptomatic varicose veins, even without skin changes. 

Unfortunately the system is 100 percent broken in Scotland.  I have proof showing two separate General Practitioner's referral requests which were both rejected.  If the NHS Scotland are not going to back and value the GP's opinion then quite clearly there is a big problem. 

Please see link below showing a video of health professionals confirming  varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort but despite this the NHS will not treat unless they are bleeding or ulcerated forcing people to continue suffering if they are unable to afford private treatment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQgRsJ9mbSM

 

 

I have struggled with varicose veins for many years, undergoing three separate procedures in my 30s. Now in my 40s, I have been referred by two separate GPs for further treatment, only to face rejection from the NHS Scotland. I believe I have never been properly examined and have venous Insufficiency which is linked to varicose veins. This experience has highlighted a significant issue with the 2019 protocol on varicose veins care in Scotland, established by Professor Catherine Calderwood and agreed upon by the Scottish government. It has become apparent that this protocol is fundamentally flawed and requires urgent reassessment.

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic inconvenience. For many, they lead to pain, discomfort, swollen legs, and even more severe health complications if left untreated. The current protocol imposes strict criteria and limitations that prevent numerous patients from accessing necessary care under the NHS. This has effectively forced individuals to seek private treatments, which is financially burdensome and undermines the principles of equality and access to healthcare services.

The 2019 protocol was intended to streamline and improve healthcare processes for conditions like varicose veins, but in reality, its rigid structure and stringent criteria have restricted access and increased suffering for many individuals. Medical professionals and numerous patients have raised concerns that the protocol prioritizes cost-saving measures over patient well-being and long-term health outcomes.

Evidence from the British Vein Institute and recent studies indicate that early intervention for venous diseases significantly reduces the risk of severe complications and the need for more intensive treatments down the line. If professionals in the field are advocating for a shift in approach, why does the protocol not reflect these insights?

We urge the Scottish government and NHS Scotland to re-examine and revise the 2019 protocol concerning varicose veins. We need a fair and balanced policy that ensures access to NHS treatments for all those who require it, regardless of their financial status. Let's stand together to highlight the urgent need for change and advocate for a system that prioritizes patients' health above all else.

Please sign and share this petition to call on decision-makers to address this critical issue and ensure that everyone has the right to necessary healthcare treatments.