The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has given the green light to a new regional obesity management service (ROMS), marking a significant step forward in the fight against obesity in the region. This approval comes after an extensive public consultation process that aimed to gather insights and feedback from various stakeholders.
Obesity is a major public health concern in Northern Ireland, posing serious threats to residents’ well – being. It can reduce life expectancy, increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and have a detrimental impact on mental health. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, the Department of Health launched a consultation on the proposed ROMS on November 24, 2023, which closed on March 1, 2024. The public, along with healthcare professionals and interested parties, were invited to share their views on the service’s plans.
The newly approved ROMS will be a prototype service designed to enhance health and well – being in Northern Ireland. Aligning with recommendations from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), it will offer specialty clinical support in both community and hospital settings. One of the key features of the service is to provide access to treatment and specialist support that was previously unavailable to many people living with obesity in the region. This includes weight loss medication and, when clinically necessary, weight – loss (bariatric) surgery. The department also plans to establish a new clinical treatment pathway, which will prioritize patients who stand to benefit the most and complement existing public health measures for obesity prevention and management. The ROMS is set to operate as a prototype for an initial two – year period, during which it is intended to perform 100 bariatric surgeries annually and prescribe weight loss medications as needed.
This new service is part of a broader approach to weight management in Northern Ireland. Simultaneously, the Department of Health has been working on a new obesity strategic framework called “Healthy Futures.” The framework aims to create an environment that encourages people to improve their diet, increase physical activity, and reduce the risks associated with overweight and obesity. By combining the ROMS with the “Healthy Futures” framework, Northern Ireland hopes to make significant progress in tackling the obesity epidemic and improving the overall health of its population.
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