Several clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are introducing minimum waiting times for “non urgent” operations, according to the Health Service Journal.

CCGs in Lincolnshire are understood to have introduced a minimum wait of around three months, while Trafford CCG in Greater Manchester confirmed it was considering a similar move.

Liberal Democrat MP and former Health Minister Norman Lamb commented:

“This is a shameful indictment of the under-funding of our NHS.

“It undermines the core principle of the NHS: that everyone should get compassionate treatment, as early as possible, when they need it.

“Those who can afford to will go private to skip the wait, while others will be left waiting in pain and discomfort. This is simply impossible to justify.

“Too many people are already facing unacceptable waits for treatment, but there is a real danger that this decline in standards could become entrenched if minimum waiting times are given the green light.

“If this doesn’t force the Chancellor to announce extra funding for the NHS and care in next week’s budget, I fear nothing will.”

Notes

See Health Service Journal story here