The Red Practice in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, has updated guidance for patients asking about tirzepatide (Mounjaro), the medicine used for weight loss and in some people with type 2 diabetes. The practice’s online guidance explains how it will manage requests locally following national policy changes introduced in 2025.
The Red Practice, based at Walton Health Centre on Rodney Road (KT12 3LB), says it is following the Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) framework, aligned with NICE and NHS England guidance, to manage high demand. The medicine is being prioritised for people with the highest clinical need — typically those with very high BMI and multiple weight‑related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes — rather than for routine or cosmetic weight loss.
The practice’s information explains that patients will be assessed in line with national criteria and may be referred to specialist weight management services where appropriate. The Red Practice’s bulletin and web pages stress that eligible patients will be contacted by the surgery and explicitly ask people not to phone the practice about tirzepatide.
NHS England issued guidance in 2025 to allow a phased rollout of tirzepatide into primary care, with initial access prioritised for those at highest clinical risk. Local organisations including Surrey Heartlands have put in place criteria and service arrangements to help deliver the medicine safely and sustainably.
The surgery asks patients to check its weight‑management page for details and eligibility information and reiterates that it will contact patients who meet the criteria rather than taking calls about the medication. The local measures aim to ensure fair, safe and sustainable access while the practice manages a high number of requests.
For full details see The Red Practice’s weight management page and news bulletin, and the NHS England guidance on weight‑management injections.
