RCS England responds to Liberal Democrats’ analysis of NHS cancelled operations data

Responding to Liberal Democrats’ analysis of NHS cancelled operations data covering October to December 2023, Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said:

“As surgeons, we are acutely aware that cancelling an operation on the day it is due to take place is deeply distressing for patients. These cancellations leave patients waiting in pain for longer and cause further worry over when they might eventually receive the surgery. In some cases, their condition may deteriorate, leading to more complex surgery when it happens.

“Industrial action, workforce and bed shortages, and access to operating theatres have all been factors forcing cancellations and delays in rescheduling - despite the commitment and best efforts of NHS staff to keep this to a minimum. Our latest census³ showed that too many staff are trying to navigate a system that often frustrates the delivery of surgical care, with more than half of respondents citing access to operating theatres as a major challenge.

“If surgical teams cannot get into operating theatres, patients will continue to endure unacceptably long waits for surgery. RCS England views surgical hubs as part of the solution. Hubs are separated from emergency services, meaning surgical beds are kept free for patients waiting for planned operations, reducing the risk of short-notice cancellations.“

Notes to editors:

1. RCS England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients.

2. For more information, please contact the Press Office: Telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; Out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.

3. Advancing the Surgical Workforce: 2023 UK Surgical Workforce Census Report (January 2024) includes the views of all members of the surgical team, including consultants, surgeons in training, specialty and associate specialist (SAS) surgeons, Locally Employed Doctors in surgery (LEDs) and members of the Extended Surgical Team (EST). It has sought information both across the team and specifically within the different professional groups.