Surgeons respond to study finding widespread cancellations and postponements of NHS elective surgery

Responding to the findings, Professor Frank Smith, Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England), said: 

“This study sheds important light on just how often elective surgery is cancelled or postponed, and how damaging that can be for patients and the NHS.  

“High-quality care before and after surgery is just as important as the operation itself.  Surgeons play a central role in leading teams to ensure patients are genuinely ready for surgery, not simply waiting for a date. The findings underline the need for earlier, better coordinated care so patients are in the best possible condition when they reach the operating theatre. 

“Through our role as a Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) partner, RCS England supports evidence-based guidance and tools such as Fitter Better Sooner to help patients prepare for surgery.  

“Supporting patients to ‘wait well’ reduces last-minute cancellations, improves recovery and helps the NHS make better use of precious surgical capacity.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors

1. British Journal of Anaesthesia (BJA) - 'The Postponement and Cancellations in Elective Care study: a national evaluation of case postponements and cancellations in elective surgical pathways' - contact julia@splitpeaproductions.com  

2. Fitter Better Sooner Toolkit | Centre for Perioperative Care 

3. The Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) is a cross-specialty centre dedicated to the promotion, advancement and development of perioperative care, for the benefit of both patients and the healthcare community. It is a partnership between patients and the public, other professional stakeholders including Medical Royal Colleges NHS England and the equivalent bodies responsible for healthcare in the other UK devolved nations. 

4. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients. 

5. For more information, please contact the RCS England press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.