How the NHS is 'rationing' its key operations

A review suggests that NHS in England is limiting access to vital non-emergency hospital care.

14:33 06 December 2013

The Dr Foster research group has recently released a review where it says that the NHS in England appears to be rationing access to vital non-emergency hospital care.

For the past 10 years, the numbers of patients have been increasing due to ageing population. However, since 2010, the numbers have leveled-off.

The review showed that just 13per cent of the areas saw a significant rise in knee replacements since 2011, 13per cent rise for hip replacement, and just 19per cent rise for cataracts.

Roger Taylor, co-founder of Dr Foster, said that budget cuts have impacted highly effective treatments.

"There has been a sharp slow-down in activity. We are seeing some operations fall when normally we see them increasing by 4%, 5% or 6% a year."

Meanwhile, Colin Howie, vice president of the British Orthopaedic Association, said: "By trying to save money in the short term, it will cost the NHS and society in the long term. These are highly effective operations because they restore mobility and reduce disability.

"What is more, the research shows it is the most vulnerable in society - the elderly and poor - who are most likely to miss out."