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New Exceptional Funding process

Following a review of the Exceptional Funding system for NHS Bristol, a new form has been developed in order to streamline the application process and allow fair and appropriate decisions on funding to be made more quickly by the panel.

Experience has shown that where the form is completed comprehensively, decisions can be made first time when the application is considered by a panel. This drops considerably when clinicians apply by writing, meaning delays for your patient. Therefore, it has been agreed by the Professional Executive Committee that when applying for funding, in line with the published terms of reference for the Exceptional Funding Panel, this new form will be mandatory.

A copy of the form has been sent to all practice managers and is available from the Exceptional Funding webpage at: http://www.bristol.nhs.uk/Policiesandguidelines/
ExceptionalFunding/default.asp

Wherever possible, this form should be typed as illegible forms delay and prevent decisions being made by the panel.

BNSSG Fertility policy and new referral form

The policy relating to fertility assessment and treatment has been updated to reflect that pre-oncology treatment patients can now be considered for fertility preservation treatment. The form which must be used for referring patients directly to fertility services has also been updated and can be accessed at:
http://www.bristol.nhs.uk/Policiesandguidelines/
ExceptionalFunding/default.asp

Where a patient does not meet the criteria for assessment and referral, funding approval will need to be applied for from the Exceptional Funding panel in the normal way.

BNSSG - new policies – what the PCT does and doesn’t fund

Following agreement by the PEC, 11 new policies setting out criteria for funding for treatments not routinely funded have been released on the website: http://www.bristol.nhs.uk/Policiesandguidelines/default.asp

There are now more than 50 policies listed on the website with new and updated policies being released regularly. We would therefore urge you, when considering applying for Exceptional Funding approval, to check the website first to establish whether a policy is in place and whether your patient meets the criteria or, if they don’t, why funding should be provided.

Niall Mitchell, Exceptional Funding manager - Commissioning, NHS Bristol, tel: 0117 900 2214