MORE than 25,000 hospital operations were axed at least twice last year, it has been revealed.
The figure at sites across the strikes-plagued NHS was almost a fifth up on 2021.
GettyOver 25,000 hospital operations were axed at least twice last year, it has been revealed[/caption]
Some 112,000 ops have been junked over the past five years — with one patient suffering 13 postponements to surgery, Freedom of Information requests disclose.
It comes as PM Rishi Sunak battles to cut NHS waiting lists — one of his five stated priorities ahead of next year’s election.
The Lib Dems obtained the figures.
Leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Rishi Sunak promised to bring waiting lists down, instead people are being let down after years of wilful neglect of our local health services under the Conservatives.
“It is a scandal.”
Miriam Deakin, of NHS Providers, said: “Too many patients are waiting too long for care.
“It’s distressing for all concerned.”
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: “If the Liberal Democrats cared about reducing NHS waiting lists, they would not have voted against our Minimum Service Levels Act which will reduce strike disruption.”