13
Oct 2020
Covid could result in ‘tsunami of cancelled NHS operations’
Leading surgeons are warning that there could be a “tsunami” of cancelled NHS operations over the winter period as the NHS copes with rising numbers of coronavirus patients.
Members of the Royal College of Surgeons of England say they don’t believe the NHS are able to meet targets to restore surgery back to near pre-pandemic levels.
Planned operations such as hip and knee replacements were postponed in the spring to free up beds during lockdown, and hospitals have been dealing with the backlog ever since.
Recent data suggests that over two million people have been waiting for longer than 18 weeks for routine operations, 83,000 waiting over a year, up from 2,000 prior to the pandemic.
Professor Neil Mortensen, president of the college, said “This is a national crisis requiring a truly national effort across all hospitals – private and NHS alike.
“As the virus becomes more prevalent again, there is a real risk of a tsunami of cancelled operations unless surgical beds are funded and protected.
“That means building up theatre capacity and designating beds exclusively for those who need an operation.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 7382
- Like this ? Share with friends