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18
Jul 2018
NHS funding refused for thousands of hernia operations
More than 50 per cent of health boards throughout England have refused NHS funding for the procedure unless the patient is in so much pain they are unable to work.
The rationing rules have been called ‘an absolute disgrace’ by leading surgeons, adding that in some cases patients’ lives could be at risk.
Some clinical commissioning groups have stated that it must be proven that a patient’s hernia is growing from month to month before an operation is permitted, and an audit has revealed that 57 per cent of CCGs in England have imposed restrictions to the operations.
A hernia of the groin (inguinal hernia) occurs when a gap in a muscle widens, causing a fatty lump of tissue to poke through.
The Royal College of Surgeons’ Susan Hill, said “It is an absolute disgrace that some patients have to demonstrate what could be a life-threatening complication of a hernia.
“Instead of asking patients to prove their pain, ministers and NHS England should immediate intervene to allow patients to talk to their surgeon about whether they need an operation.
“Allowing commissioning groups, not patients with their surgeon, to make a decision is putting patients at unnecessary risk.”
The Patients Association’s John Kell, said “The stress for these patients mustn’t be overlooked. To be told you have to demonstrate what could be a life-threatening complication of a hernia in order to receive treatment must be horrendous.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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