The Vascular Endovascular and Transplant Service (VETS) at Christchurch Public Hospital do provide treatment for significant varicose veins where the symptoms and signs warrant surgical intervention.
Restrictions on the provision of state funded varicose vein surgery mean that not everyone can be treated for their veins, funded by the state. This is because if everyone with varicose veins were treated it would have a huge impact on the available funding of more critical conditions. It is also unlikely that treating asymptomatic varicose veins, or even those that have mild symptoms, would have any significant beneficial effect to the patient other than improving the appearance of the legs. This is not a justifiable use of public funds.
Your GP will be able to advise you if your varicose veins are likely to be treated by the public system, what simple measures you can take to improve symptoms, and how to get your veins treated in the private sector.
Public treatment is typically available for:
Patients who have current leg ulceration as the result of varicose vein disease, or who have suffered previously from ulcers.
Those who are developing signs that ulcers may develop if the veins remain untreated are also likely to be offered treatment if possible.
In some circumstances patients with more moderate symptoms, that do not improve with simple measures, will be offered publicly funded vein surgery, particularly if there is a big impact on the patients normal day-to-day activities, or to safely and effectively carry-out their employed work.
Restrictions on the provision of state funded varicose vein surgery mean that not everyone can be treated for their veins, funded by the state. This is because if everyone with varicose veins were treated it would have a huge impact on the available funding of more critical conditions. It is also unlikely that treating asymptomatic varicose veins, or even those that have mild symptoms, would have any significant beneficial effect to the patient other than improving the appearance of the legs. This is not a justifiable use of public funds.
Your GP will be able to advise you if your varicose veins are likely to be treated by the public system, what simple measures you can take to improve symptoms, and how to get your veins treated in the private sector.
Public treatment is typically available for:
Patients who have current leg ulceration as the result of varicose vein disease, or who have suffered previously from ulcers.
Those who are developing signs that ulcers may develop if the veins remain untreated are also likely to be offered treatment if possible.
In some circumstances patients with more moderate symptoms, that do not improve with simple measures, will be offered publicly funded vein surgery, particularly if there is a big impact on the patients normal day-to-day activities, or to safely and effectively carry-out their employed work.
