As you will be aware, the NHS have now commissioned GP practices to prescribe Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight loss, and have asked practices whether they wish to sign up to offer this service.
This practice has made the difficult decision to not sign up to provide this service.
This decision has been made on the basis of workload capacity, and concerns about the capability of “wrap around care” that needs to be offered alongside Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and which is expected to be provided by wider NHS services.
At this time, there is also limited evidence surrounding the long term effects of these medications.
Practices who sign up are required to engage with various training requirements, and patients require monthly appointments over a prolonged period; something we feel we do not have the capacity or resources to provide at the moment.
Regarding the “wrap around care” arrangements are not yet in place in our region to adequately provide it.
Many practices are in a similar position to us across the region, and the situation may change over the next 12 months.
There are various options for weight management available for patients who wish to explore these.
These include local weight management programmes.
We also continue to be able to refer suitable patients to Tier 3 weight management services.
Tier 3 services are able to prescribe Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), but due to high demand they have a substantial waiting list currently.
If you wish to discuss weight management options with us, please book a routine GP appointment.