FEWER people with gallstones will be offered surgery on the NHS as Bolton's health commissioner clamps down on unnecessary treatment.

Patients with gallstones will no longer have their gall bladder removed by the health service unless they are in pain or show other symptoms.

In some cases where symptoms are shown, the NHS will still not operate on patients if the procedure is deemed too risky.

This comes as the clinical commissioning group (CCG) brings Bolton's policy in line with national guidance.

Dr Jane Bradford, clinical director for clinical governance and safety, told the CCG board that around 10 to 15 per cent of the adult population in the UK have gallstones but do not have any symptoms.

She said: “Gallstones are really common. In most cases they are actually asymptomatic. A lot of people don’t know about it. It’s an incidental finding.

“We used to say have surgery in case it becomes dangerous down the line. I think what’s good about this policy, it’s bringing to thought some of the discussions about current decision making."

The new policy comes from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority but follows guidance from The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which was issued some years ago.

Dr Stephen Liversedge, clinical director of primary care and health improvement, asked why clinicians had not been following this guidance beforehand.

Bolton CCG chief executive Su Long said the policy had support from clinicians on the board but agreed that more must be done to make sure the policies are adhered to.

She said: “Just because we’ve got a policy, that’s great, but how can you make sure that this policy is followed? Our processes have improved making sure clinicians know about this."

The CCG board approved the policy relating to gallstones at a public board meeting on Friday.

Another Greater Manchester policy change regarding Rhinosinusitis, Rhinitis and Sinusitis was also approved, alongside a policy on dilatation and curettage and hysterectomies for heavy menstrual bleeding.

Clinicians are expected to diagnose, refer and manage patients in line with NICE or follow best practice guidelines.