More than a dozen surgical procedures could be halted by the NHS in a bid for efficiency savings. Tummy tucks and liposuction, for example, could disappear as an option with the health service seeking to get value for money.
The Government is looking to cut costs and health chiefs have been asked to crack down on examples of "wasteful" spending. The proposed cuts fit into a wider push for savings within the Government as chancellor Jeremy Hunt aims to fill what he calls the "fiscal black hole" of up to £50bn in public finances.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the NHS medical director, said there was a big move under way to improve efficiency and focus on the most cost-effective treatments. Currently, there are 7.1 million people are on the NHS waiting list for procedures – a new record.
Read more: Obesity 'far more likely' in Nottinghamshire district, NHS data shows
The Mirror reports that a spokesperson for the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said: "Any money saved from procedures which the evidence tells us are no longer clinically appropriate is spent on procedures which are. Medicine is constantly evolving and the Evidence-based Interventions programme is about capturing those clinical advances and making sure we offer the best and most appropriate care to the greatest number of people."
NHS chiefs say they routinely review treatments to ensure British taxpayers receive their money's worth. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Prof Sir Stephen said the service aims to give patients "the most effective treatments possible at an affordable price for taxpayers".
He added they "routinely assess and change services to make sure they are as efficient as possible". Professor Powis said officials have already cracked down on "medications and interventions that are of low value for patients and take money away from the public purse".
Full list of NHS surgeries that could be axed
- Male gynaecomastia reduction surgery
- Breast prosthesis removal
- Corrective surgery for congenital breast asymmetry
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) use in diabetic retinopathy referral
- Shared decision-making for cataract surgery
- Glaucoma referral criteria
- Thyroid nodule referral and investigation
- Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis screening
- Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs)
- Liposuction
- Diastasis recti repair
- Angioplasty for PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) in stable angina
- Non-visible haematuria
- Needle biopsy of prostate
- Penile circumcision
READ NEXT
Nottingham restaurant launches £5 deal that's an 'absolute steal'
Primark shoppers reveal £7 'top secret' warm winter essential described as 'insane'
Life in Bulwell where neighbours are 'fighting for survival' amid cost of living crisis
Support for Strictly Come Dancing's Tony Adams as viewers 'not convinced' by withdrawal
- The latest cost of living news from Nottinghamshire Live
