NHS Varicose Vein Treatment in Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire

Not everyone with varicose veins qualifies for NHS treatment, but this does not mean your symptoms are unimportant or untreatable. The NHS will only fund treatment when strict clinical criteria are met. In the Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire region BSW), patients must also meet local funding rules before they can be referred, seen or treated in secondary care. BSW (like many NHS areas) prioritises treatment for varicose veins that cause genuine disability or serious complications, not just for appearance, requiring proof that less invasive methods haven't worked.

Many patients are unsure whether their symptoms qualify. This page explains the current BSW NHS policy, what the NHS will fund, and what options are available if you do not meet the referral threshold. A brief summary can be downloaded from here

Funding approval before NHS referral

In the BSW region, GPs must obtain prior funding approval before referring a patient to a vascular specialist. Without this approval, NHS providers are unable to offer a consultation or investigations.

If treatment is recommended following assessment, funding approval is required again before any procedure can take place. This process is different from many other parts of the UK and can be confusing for patients.

NHS referral criteria in the Bath Swindon & Wiltshire regions

The NHS will only fund referral and treatment for varicose veins when specific clinical criteria are met. These criteria are based on national NICE guidance but are applied more restrictively within Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Patients may qualify if they have bleeding from a varicose vein, recurrent or persistent venous leg ulcers, repeated episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis, or symptoms that cause significant functional impairment affecting daily activities.

Conservative management before NHS treatment

The NHS normally requires evidence that conservative management has been tried for at least six months before referral, unless this is contraindicated. This includes regular exercise, leg elevation and appropriate compression therapy.

Patients with a higher body mass index may experience faster progression of symptoms and may also have increased surgical risk. This is considered during the funding review process.

Conditions not normally funded by the NHS

Cosmetic concerns, thread veins, mild aching or heaviness, and varicose eczema on its own are not usually indications for NHS treatment. Varicose eczema is common and is recommended to be managed with creams rather than surgery.

Thread veins are not treated on the NHS, as they are considered a cosmetic condition. If thread veins are a concern, you can read more about assessment and treatment options on our thread vein removal page.

What happens if you meet NHS criteria

If funding approval is granted, patients are referred for specialist assessment and duplex ultrasound scanning. Treatment options may include endothermal ablation, foam sclerotherapy or, in selected cases, surgical intervention.

The choice of treatment is made by the clinician based on clinical findings and vein anatomy.

If you do not meet NHS criteria

Many patients choose private treatment when NHS funding is not available. This provides an alternative route to consultant‑led assessment, full ultrasound evaluation and minimally invasive treatment.

If you would like a consultant‑led opinion on your symptoms, you can contact us directly for advice