To ask the Minister of Health to detail any consideration been given to the potential increase in GP treatment room time resulting from changes to rationing rules around the treatment of vascular varicose veins.

The treatment of vascular varicose vein within Primary Care remains unchanged following the Department of Health updating the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy. In line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidance, if varicose veins are not bleeding, patients within Primary Care should be given verbal and written information on varicose veins, as well as self-care advice, to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust deliver a specialist regional service within Northern Ireland for those patients with severe varicose veins requiring an outpatient appointment for varicose vein assessment and treatment.