IFR Funding for Septorhinoplasty & Functional Rhinoplasty in Hampshire
- mrtimbiggs4
- Nov 9
- 2 min read
Many patients with nasal obstruction, nasal valve collapse or significant septal deviation understandably ask whether septoplasty, turbinoplasty, functional septorhinoplasty or functional rhinoplasty can be funded by the NHS.
In the Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB (HIOW ICB) region, the position is clear:
Septoplasty, Turbinoplasty, Functional septorhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty are not routinely funded.
Even when patients have genuine functional nasal breathing problems, the ICB commissioning stance is that these procedures are now classified as low priority and are not routinely commissioned.
IFR (Individual Funding Request) – the reality locally
Some patients ask whether they can attempt an IFR application.
An IFR is a mechanism within the NHS that allows a clinicians to apply to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) asking for funding for a treatment or operation that is not normally commissioned or funded. It is only used in very rare, or exceptional circumstances.
For an IFR to be approved, the patient must be considered exceptional, meaning they are significantly worse than the average patient with the same condition, and also likely to benefit significantly more than the average patient. This is a very high bar. Functional nasal blockage patients typically share similar patterns of nasal obstruction, deviation, valve collapse and airflow limitation, which means they do not stand out as exceptional when compared to all other patients with nasal obstruction. As a result, nasal obstruction surgery very rarely, if ever, meets the exceptionality threshold required for IFR approval. To date, I have had no successful applications for any patients.
What are the realistic options for patients?
For patients in Portsmouth, Fareham, Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the real-world, realistic options are:
1) Optimised medical therapy: nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines if allergic component, saline rinses
2) Accept and live with the symptoms: This is sometimes, unfortunately, the patient’s only decision.
3) External mechanical support devices– Breathe Right® nasal strips, internal nasal dilator “baskets” or cones can help at night or during exercise for selected patients.
4) Self-funded surgery: This is the only definitive structural correction option locally for patients who want meaningful improvement in nasal airflow AND structural correction.
Why this matters
Many patients understandably assume that because their problem affects breathing, “the NHS must fund it”. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, against the views of many specialists like myself.
Summary
In the Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB region:
septoplasty is not routinely funded
functional septorhinoplasty is not routinely funded
functional rhinoplasty is not routinely funded
turbinoplasty is not routinely funded
septal perforation closure is not routinely funded
to date, I have had no successfully funded IFR applications for these procedures
Patients who need structural change for better nasal breathing therefore often choose self-funded care.
Private consultant-led assessment for functional septorhinoplasty and functional rhinoplasty is available locally at Adnova Clinic, Fareham with Consultant ENT & Rhinology Surgeon Mr Tim Biggs.
To enquire or book an assessment:
📍 Adnova Clinic
More information:
