Figures show that record numbers of patients had an operation cancelled last year, and that over 5,000 patients had to wait more than 28 days for their rescheduled treatment.
Between April 2015 and April 2016, almost 75,000 operations in England were cancelled at the last minute – the highest in a decade.
This covers patients whose procedures were postponed for non-medical reasons, such as staff shortages and a lack of available beds.
It does not include patients who were told in advance that their treatment would be disrupted by the junior doctors’ strike.
“Disappointing”
In the same period, 6.8% of patients had to wait more than 28 days for their treatment to be rescheduled – also a 10 year high.
This falls foul of the NHS Constitution, which states that cancelled operations should be rescheduled within four weeks.
Clare Marx, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: “It is disappointing that the number of patients waiting for their cancelled operations to be rescheduled has hit the highest level in a decade.”
“This is yet another indication of the pressure the NHS is under. Situations where patients have to wait longer for their treatment are highly stressful for them and their families and, in some cases, their condition could deteriorate.”
Medical negligence solicitor
If your treatment was delayed, causing your condition to significantly deteriorate, please get in touch with us at Glynns Solicitors. We specialise in medical negligence claims and will advise whether you have been the victim of substandard medical care.
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