NHS - rationing

The NHS in England appears to be rationing access to vital non-emergency hospital care, a review suggests. The analysis by the Dr Foster research group looked at three key procedures - knee, hip and cataract operations. For much of the past decade, patient numbers have been rising as would be expected with an ageing population. But since 2010, the numbers have levelled off - with just one in eight areas now doing more hips and knees and one in five seeing rises in cataracts. The number of cataract operations is at its lowest level for five years and 2012-13 saw the first fall in knee replacements for a decade. Hip replacements the rate of increase has slowed.

Colin Howie, vice president of the British Orthopaedic Association, said the findings were "very concerning".
"By trying to save money in the short term, it will cost the NHS and society in the long term. These are highly effective operations because they restore mobility and reduce disability. What is more, the research shows it is the most vulnerable in society - the elderly and poor - who are most likely to miss out."