NHS patients denied hip and knee replacements

NHS patients are increasingly being denied hip and knee replacements as a result of funding issues, leaving people at risk of complications and mobility problems.

According to a British Medical Journal study, patients are being denied hip and knee replacements more and more, with refusals increasing by 45% when compared to the previous year.

These restrictions on procedures are a damning reflection of the continuing NHS funding problems that are only going to leave patients more vulnerable to complications and prolonged mobility problems, which in turn could see a rise in cases of negligence.

Increasing refusal of hip and knee replacements a worrying issue

The increasing trend of hospitals refusing hip and knee replacements on the NHS is a worrying issue. Under the current rules, doctors and medical professionals are entitled to make “exceptional funding requests” when they refer patients for hip and knee replacements, and recent data released has indicated that the number of refusals is on the rise.

This method of funding requests was apparently introduced to limit the cost of what are deemed as “non-essential” procedures, like cosmetic surgery, but funding issues are now reportedly pushing NHS Trusts to applying the rules more widely, which includes cases for hip and knee replacements.

Refusing hip and knee replacements could lead to increased incidents of negligence

The increasing refusals for hip and knee replacements could lead to increasing numbers of medical negligence scenarios, which will only leave patients suffering for longer (perhaps even permanently), and the NHS having to pay for compensation claims.

Clearly, this is not a sustainable way of protecting public funds. If NHS funding was adequate in the first place (as it’s still under-par, evening with the recent increased funding), we can limit incidents of negligence and stop patients suffering unnecessarily.

It really is a vicious circle that needs to be stopped, and it can only be stopped by increased efficiency in the NHS and better funding to protect patient welfare across the board. Patients who are wrongfully refused hip and knee replacements are entitled to claim for damages for the suffering and loss it will cause, which can be substantial. We can avoid the need for increased claims by ensuring patients can access the treatment they need, when they need it; but it all depends on funding.