RCS comments on rise in cancelled elective operations

Commenting on a rise in cancelled elective operations, Professor Norman Williams, President of the Royal College of Surgeons, said:

“The fact that elective operations are being cancelled for non-clinical reasons is of deep concern to surgeons. The situation where patients have to wait longer for their treatment is highly stressful for them and their families and, in some cases, their condition could deteriorate. It is therefore vital that access to surgery must be provided at a time when patients can benefit most from the results.

We hear from our members that the current crisis in emergency departments in parts of the country may be forcing some hospitals to drop the ball on elective surgery. If this is the case, action must be taken to tackle the detrimental effect of burgeoning emergency care and sometimes inappropriate admissions on the whole hospital system."

Notes to Editor

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling surgeons to achieve and maintain the highest standards of surgical practice and patient care. Registered charity number: 212808. For more information, please contact the RCS press office on:

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