Private surgeries have seen a surge in operations that are considered ‘low value’ by the NHS as new figures reveal that funding has been cut for common procedures
New statistics indicate a significant surge in private medical procedures for common ailments as the NHS scales back or ceases funding, showing an uptick in operations viewed by the NHS as ‘of limited value’.
The number of private surgeries like cataract procedures witnessed a 39% rise, hernia repairs 110% and tonsillectomies increased by 105%.
Data sifted from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) shows that England has experienced a 61% surge in breast reduction admissions and circumcisions have nearly doubled with a 118% increase.
Moreover, carpal tunnel syndrome treatments have climbed by 64%, and adenoidectomies have rocketed by 145%. These soaring figures follow new guidelines aimed at nudging NHS commissioners to cut back on these kinds of surgeries.
The Evidence-based Intervention (EBI) list was drawn up to curb the number of medical or surgical interventions that might not be suitable for some patients under certain conditions.
Jim Easton from Practice Plus Group hospitals, who analysed the research, commented: “It is correct that there are proper eligibility criteria to ensure that only those people who will benefit from surgery are offered it.
“However, through a combination of the COVID backlog, increasing financial pressures on the NHS, and the growing list of procedures they actively try to restrict, we have seen a marked increase in people in debilitating pain or discomfort who are perfect candidates for surgery but can’t get the referral.”
Graeme Wakerley, 71, a retired haematologist with years of service in the NHS, was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia in 2023. Unable to secure surgery through the NHS, he opted to fork out for private healthcare from Practice Plus Group’s Wellsoon.
Recounting his ordeal, he said: “A scan showed that the hernia wasn’t strangulated which meant it wasn’t considered dangerous and I would not be able to get surgery to fix it.
“The GP explained that unless it’s strangulated, you’re in severe pain or mental anguish, there was no point in applying for funding as I wouldn’t get surgery. Even when you do get on the list meaning it’s serious and you’re in severe pain, there would be a two-year wait for hernia surgery. So, I had no choice but to pay.”
Graeme revealed he’s heard similar stories from others, with GPs advising patients to go private for operations due to the tight restrictions on funding.
Jim emphasises the need for the NHS to keep the EBI programme focused on patient benefit, warning against it becoming a ‘postcode lottery’ with varying adoption across regions.
He also highlighted: “The knock-on effect in not offering these treatments is the gradual disappearance of specialists with enough experience in delivering them, or enough younger doctors trained to perform them.”
