NHS services in north Essex are set to be heavily cut to save money.

Smokers and overweight patients could be denied some services, while IVF fertility treatments could also be limited, under the NHS North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group plan.

The group has been told to save at least £22million.

A report, due to be presented to the group’s board today, says: “We have resisted cuts and rationalisation of services until now. It is with regret these difficult decisions must be made.”

If the board agrees with the plan, public consultations will start on recommendations including:

  • Restricting IVF treatment to people with certain specific health conditions

•Denying smokers or obese patients non-urgent elective surgery if they refuse to take up healthier lifestyles

  • Ending free vasectomies and female sterilisations. The report says: “The community vasectomy service is being reviewed as a service with no or limited clinical value”
  • Reducing free access to glutenfree food for adults who need it, including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

The board meets today from 2.30pm at the Colchester Primary Care Centre, in Turner Road, to discuss the plans.

What do you think of the proposed cuts? Have you used any of the services that might be affected? Contact the newsdesk on 01205 508432 or email zoe.forsey@nqe.com.