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This article was published on February 2nd, 2015
Earlier this year we highlighted the problems faced by the overstretched A&E departments in our Hospitals, with some of them declaring a ‘major incident’ just to encourage less urgent issues being referred to GPs. Now it seems other departments are also struggling as more and more operations are cancelled.
Recent NHS figures reveal that hospitals in just Greater Manchester alone cancelled 823 operations between November 3 2014 and January 4 2015 which is an increase of 73.2% on last year! So why have nearly 3/4’s of surgical operations been cancelled in two months? Hospital chiefs blame ‘intense pressures’ from the rise in A&E patients, mainly the elderly, who had to be admitted on to their wards. This had a knock on effect which meant fewer beds were available for patients booked in for planned, non-urgent operations.
A Manchester-based surgeon said: “The continued rise in the number of cancelled operations for non-clinical reasons remains a deep concern to surgeons.
“Telling a patient that they cannot have the operation they have waited and planned for can cause considerable distress to the individual and their families.
“Many hospitals have had no choice but to delay treatment, either because of the lack of beds and access to operating theatres, or due to the pressures from the number of urgent admissions and delays in transferring patients back into care in the community.
“We know that winter is always likely to see a higher rate of medical admissions and we should think about carrying out more elective surgery when there is less pressure on emergency beds.”
The number of cancelled operations have doubled at Central Manchester University Hospitals Trust, from 109 to 217, the Royal Bolton Hospital figures leapt from 16 to 119, Wythenshawe Hospital’s increased from 66 to 106 cancellations and Stepping Hill’s from 39 to 106.
If you have suffered as a result of repeated delays and cancellations to your medical treatment, then get in touch with us at Thorneycroft Solicitors as you may have a clinical medical negligence case. We understand that our Hospitals are feeling the strain at the moment and that sometimes patience is necessary but repeated cancellations can lead to health complications and can be very distressing.
Thorneycroft Solicitors have acted on behalf of many clients across Macclesfield, Cheshire and Manchester. No matter how minor or major your NHS negligence claim, our goal is to offer a service that delivers results. If you believe you have suffered an injury due to NHS medical negligence then you could be entitled to a substantial compensation pay out.
Contact our solicitors on FREEPHONE 0800 1979 345, or complete our simple enquiry form. We offer a free initial interview in order to review your specific circumstances and assess the viability of your claim.