Author: juliesalter

Weight Management Injections (e.g. Mounjaro): Important Patient Information

Posted on 24 June, 2025

Following recent media coverage, we’ve seen a significant increase in patient enquiries about Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and other weight management injections.
These medications are currently being rolled out in phases under NHS England’s national programme. Strict eligibility criteria apply, and only certain patients can be considered during each phase.
🔹 Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on your BMI, ethnic background, and the presence of certain health conditions (known as comorbidities). The rollout is happening in three cohorts:
🟦 Cohort 1 – From 23 June 2025
• BMI of 40 or higher, or 37.5 or higher if you are from a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean background
• Plus at least 4 of the following conditions:
o High blood pressure (on treatment)
o High cholesterol (on statins or similar medication)
o Obstructive sleep apnoea
o Cardiovascular disease
o Type 2 diabetes
✅ Our practice has already reviewed records and contacted eligible patients in Cohort 1 directly. If you have not been contacted, you are not currently eligible under this phase.
🟦 Cohort 2 – From June 2026 (exact date to be confirmed)
• BMI of 35 or higher, or 32.5 or higher if from an eligible ethnic background (as above)
• Plus at least 4 of the same listed conditions
🟦 Cohort 3 – From April 2027 (exact date to be confirmed)
• BMI of 40 or higher, or 37.5 or higher if from an eligible ethnic background
• Plus at least 3 of the same listed conditions
❗ Please Note
• We are unable to prescribe Mounjaro or similar medications for weight loss outside these NHS guidelines
• If you are not eligible, we encourage all patients to continue engaging with existing weight management support, including the NHS 12 week weight loss plan – https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
For more information, visit NHS England’s official guidance.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Health & Wellbeing Coaching – Important Changes

Posted on 7 May, 2025

Health & Wellbeing Coaching – Important Changes
From the 1st May 2025, the way in which you can access support to self-manage your health and wellbeing and access lifestyle advice is changing. Health and Wellbeing Coaches will no longer be active at the practice and instead, the limited funding available to general practice will be redirected to develop the role of trained Care Coordinators who will particularly support those people with long-term conditions, multiple long-term conditions, and people living with or at risk of frailty. Care Coordinators will help people co-ordinate and navigate their care across the health and care system and support people to become more active in their own health and care.
There are still lots of way that you can access resources to support you with behaviour and lifestyle changes and personalised goal setting in relation to your health needs, by visiting this NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/
This site offers advice and guidance on a variety of subjects, including:
• Mental Health
• Health Weight
• Exercise
• Sleep & Tiredness
• Eating Well
• Alcohol Advice
• Quit Smoking Advice
• Addiction Support
• Bone Health
If you have any medical complaints, then please raise these via your usual practice route.
Please provide any feedback to:
Buttercross Health Centre & Ilchester Surgery – somicb.buttercrossadmin@nhs.net