A man in Sawley, Derbyshire, named Alan Bromyard, 48, has shared his distress after the NHS declined to fund surgery to remove a substantial five-stone lump from his stomach. The giant lymphedema growth has affected him for almost two years, severely impacting his daily life, yet his request has been deemed “cosmetic” by the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB). Despite a recent health scare involving sepsis that landed him in the hospital for a fortnight, the funding request for surgery was turned down twice.
Mr Bromyard expressed his desperation for assistance, stating, “It hangs down to my knees, it’s a right mess and needs to be removed. They class the operation as cosmetic and say that’s why I can’t have the funding. It’s a 5st lump of fluid, I can’t lose it through dieting so what are they expecting me to do? I need help, I’m heartbroken.” The condition has forced him to give up activities he loves like farming and fishing, rendering him mostly bedridden and unable to perform daily tasks.
Despite Mr Bromyard’s surgeon advocating for the surgery, highlighting that it would significantly benefit him, the ICB rejected both funding applications. An urgent apronectomy was proposed to address the large abdominal pannus that severely affects his mood and quality of life. The NHS board’s response mentioned that the request had been reviewed by their screening panel and was turned down on both occasions.
His surgeon, GP, and the head of the lymphedema clinic are now collaborating on a third application for funding following the successive rejections. A representative for NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB explained that decisions on exceptional funding requests are made based on individual circumstances and evidence, ensuring transparent and fair consideration.
Mr Bromyard’s ongoing battle to secure the necessary surgery highlights the challenges individuals face when seeking non-standard treatments through the NHS. The emotional toll and physical limitations caused by the growth underscore the urgent need for health authorities to review and refine their funding criteria to address cases like Mr Bromyard’s with compassion and effectiveness.