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The Patients Association has recently published its third annual review into elective surgical procedures in the UK. The report shows a mixed picture, with the trend of declining numbers of operations and longer waiting times being reversed for some procedures, but increasing in others.

The report investigates the average waiting time, and number of procedures carried out, in ten elective surgical procures on a trust by trust basis. Previous reports have shown both a decline in waiting times and number of procedures carried out in both 2010 and 2011. However this report shows that in 2012 the number of operations being carried out reduced only slightly compared to the previous year (-.13%) and waiting times also saw a slight fall (-.60%).

Despite this apparent stability the report still highlighted several areas of potential concern. The total number of operations conducted in several areas (Cataracts, Myringotomies, Varicose Veins and knee replacements) fell by nearly 1%, or 2994 cases.

This means that since 2009 the number of procedures carried out in trusts responding to our survey have fallen by 20,000 for Cataract’s and 1905 for knee replacements. This is the first time Varicose Veins and Myringotomies have been included in the survey.

Untreated Cataracts can lead to blindness, but also infection, bleeding in the eye, inflammation and tearing of the lens capsule.  It is estimated that in 2008 218,000 people suffered blindness in the United Kingdom, with Cataracts estimated to be the cause of 12.5% (Access economics, 2009).

The generally stable figures in the report also suggest an element of rationing given the frequent concerns raised about the pressure that an ageing population is putting on the NHS. Today’s figures actually show that the situation is broadly stable. It is hard to see how this could have been achieved without some degree of rationing.

Speaking about the report Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive said “The positive headline figure from this report is that the trend of declining procedure numbers and increasing waiting times we identified in previous reports has now been largely addressed. However once you look below the surface there is some really concerning figures which indicate that rationing remains in our health service.

It is illogical, given the ageing population, for there to be such a significant drop in the number of cataract procedures taking place compared to four years ago. The same can be said for knee replacements. Both of these procedures are more likely to be required by older people, and with an ageing population a decline in procedures being carried out must be down to rationing.

The NHS cannot have it both ways. Either it has to admit that rationing is to blame for the numbers in this report, or it needs to stop blaming an ageing population for poor care.  The public needs reassurance that they will be able to have access to these procedures should they need them.”

Notes for Editors

1. The Patients Association is a campaigning charity, listening to patients and speaking up for change. It has been working for nearly 50 years to make sure that the patient voice is heard and listened to by policy makers.
2. For further information please contact the Patients Association on 02084239111 or on comms@patients-association.com 
3. To see more information on the Patients Association visit www.patients-association.com

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