56.3% of patients not treated within standard wait time following last-minute cancelled surgery

New data shows that 93.5% of patients under Surrey and Sussex Healthcare trust have not been treated following a cancelled operation, within the standard 28 day waiting period.

Patient Claim Line, analysed the latest NHS Statistics regarding cancelled operations across England between July and September 2024.

The data shows that nearly a quarter of patients (23%) were not treated within 28 days of their operation being cancelled. Out of 21,249 patients facing cancelled operations, 4,825 patients were still waiting to be treated over 28 days later.

The South East Commissioning Region was found to have the highest breach rate, with nearly a third of patients who experienced a last-minute cancellation (32%) not being treated within 28 days. Out of 2,767 last minute cancelled operations, 875 patients were still waiting to be treated over 28 days later.

When a patient’s operation is cancelled by the hospital at the last minute for non-clinical reasons, the hospital should offer another binding date within a maximum of the next 28 days, or fund the patient’s treatment at the time and hospital of the patient’s choice.

Last minute means on the day the patient was due to arrive, after the patient has arrived in hospital or on the day of the operation or surgery.

What does this include?

• All planned or elective operations (including day cases)

• Invasive X-ray procedures carried out on inpatients or day cases

• Telephone cancellations made to patients on or after the day of admission

What are non-clinical reasons?

Capacity issues – if the NHS is stretched to its limits due to high demand for healthcare services, this can lead to a lack of available beds, operating rooms and staff.

Staff shortages – occasionally, there can be staff shortages within the NHS due to illness, for example.

Emergencies – elective surgeries can often be cancelled at short notice due to emergencies, such as other patients needing urgent treatment and surgery.

Commenting on the findings, Michael Blakemore-Carson, Senior Litigation Executive at Patient Claim Line said: 

“If your surgery has been cancelled and you feel as though your condition or symptoms are getting worse, it is important that you contact your medical provider and let them know.”

“In the case your elective surgery has been cancelled last-minute, the NHS should offer you a new date for your surgery within 28 days. If your cancelled operation is not rescheduled within the 28 days and occurs after this time period, you may be entitled to compensation.”

If you’ve experienced a cancelled operation and were not treated within 28 days of the cancellation, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Speak to a member of our friendly legal team on 0330 107 5320 or visit our NHS Negligence information hub here.

Featured Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash.