Weight Management Service - FOI Response Register

My queries relate to waiting lists for people referred to weight management services and people referred for bariatric surgery.

1.    I would like to ask what the current average waiting time is, from the point of referral, for the weight management service.

Due to limited capacity and an increase in referrals for various clinical conditions, Nutrition and Dietetics have been unable to provide a Tier 3 weight management service since prior to the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020. We are working hard to deliver a service with the aim to recommence this early 2024. Due to this, we are unable to provide a current average wait time.

Tier 2 Services: In line with recent national healthy weight service standards and ongoing impact of pandemic, Tier 2 services are transitioning towards a group delivery model within communities. In Shetland this pilot of group delivery has been run through 22/23 with evaluation currently being undertaken. Waiting times for the group delivery is therefore currently not available as the service goes through formal evaluation and will be released in 2024 as part of final evaluation report.  

While transitioning there is the 1:1 tier 2 service also available, this has been affected by covid restrictions as well as reduced staffing leading to reduced capacity which is ongoing. The average waiting list time to begin a tier 2 1:1 service is currently 171 days. Important to note that all those on the waiting list for tier 2 are contacted and given initial first line advice while they are waiting to be seen by a practitioner. Initial screening is completed on referral information to ensure patient is in the correct service to meet their needs to avoid waiting on inappropriate lists where at all possible.

2.    What is the longest period that a current patient has been on the waiting list?

As per Q1, requests for services are being contacted with an update on our service planning, but any figure of a subjective waiting time would not be accurate for tier 3 services.

Tier 2 Services: The longest period a current patient has on the waiting list is 395 days. Should be noted that this waiting time is an example of patient choice. This individual was offered group support and opted for 1:1 hybrid support. Due to their needs they have opted to delay their start and have therefore been held on the waiting list until they are ready to enter the service. 

3.    I also wanted to ask what is the current average waiting time for a patient who is referred for bariatric surgery to be operated on.

NHS Shetland does not have a local bariatric surgery service. These cases would be referred direct to tier 4 services in other larger centres on mainland Scotland. Patients resident in Shetland who have had/are waiting for this surgery will be picked up in responses from other Scottish boards.

4.    And what is the longest period that a current patient has been on the waiting list for bariatric surgery?

See response to Q3