PROPOSALS to slash funding for NHS operations are “the human face of austerity that leads to people being undervalued,” it has been claimed.

Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Redbridge, Havering and Barking and Dagenham have proposed restricting eligibility for cataract surgery, ending prescribed over-the-counter sunscreen and stopping osteopathy to balance their books.

Redbridge CCG has invited residents to contribute to their views on the consultation, launched Wednesday, September 20, whose proposals form part of overall cuts of £55 million.

Labour councillor Lloyd Dudderidge, who represents the Roding ward, slammed the potential loss of services.

He said: “This is the human face of austerity which goes beyond soundbites. People end up with services that weren’t as good as they once were.

“If we’re not funding services properly, the country can’t function as it did previously. It leads to people being undervalued.”

If proposals are approved, Redbridge CCG will no longer prescribe over the counter medication like anti-malarial medicine and probiotic supplements.

Eligibility for podiatry will be limited and operations like ear wax removal and injections for lower back pain will no longer be funded.

In total, the latest round of proposals amount to £3.9 million.

Redbridge CCG cut £3 million earlier this year after ending funding for IVF, gluten-free products and cosmetic procedures earlier this year following a consultation.

The latest proposals are indicative of a negative picture spanning the country, Cllr Dudderidge warned.

“It’s a sad indictment of the direction of travel in this country that we can no longer fund things people rely upon. It may seem small but they’re services people rely upon and use.”

He blamed the Conservative government, claiming NHS bosses had been backed into a difficult position.

He said: “I’m sure they wouldn’t have done this out choice. They’ve been forced into a corner. This isn’t the CCG’s fault- this is coming from central government. This isn’t new- it’s a building problem that happens when a Tory government won’t fund services properly.

“This is where austerity leads- it leads to services not being funded properly and a country that needs to be reconstructed.

“I think people need a fresh injection of money to fund services properly. We have to look after our citizens better than we are.”

Dr Anita Bhatia, clinical director of Redbridge CCG said: “We must act now to further reduce spending so that we can protect our vital health services, both for ourselves and future generations.

“As a result we now have the even more difficult job of looking for these additional savings, and once again we are asking you, our patients, for your help.

“We haven’t made any decisions yet and we won’t until we have heard from you. So please do visit the CCG’s website for information on our proposals or come to one of our drop-in sessions, and complete our questionnaire to tell us how you think we should spend NHS money.”

To fill out the questionnaire, click here.

Residents must send their responses by 5pm on November 15, 2017.