THOUSANDS of children had operations cancelled last year because of the NHS crisis.
New analysis shows 14,628 kid ops were called off at hospitals in England in 2022, with bed shortages the top reason.
AlamyChildren’s surgery cancellations increased by 23 per cent in a year in 2022, figures show[/caption]
Cancellations have surged by a quarter to the highest level in at least five years, a Liberal Democrats investigation found.
Some youngsters have been left waiting longer than three years for treatment.
Party leader Ed Davey said: “This is a badge of shame for the Government.
“Behind these figures are countless children and parents having to wait in pain and distress.
“Years of neglect have led to chronic staff shortages and a lack of hospital beds, with communities across the country paying the price.”
Freedom of Information data from 77 NHS hospital trusts revealed nearly 4,000 cancellations were down to a lack of ward beds.
Another 2,894 had to be postponed due to staff shortages, with another 1,100 scuppered by operating theatres running out of time or being over-booked.
The total increased 23 per cent from 11,870 in 2021 and was higher than the 12,984 in 2019.
NHS Providers, which represents hospital bosses, said there are “severe pressures” on children’s services.
The longest waiting children have been on lists for longer than three years, with at least four delayed by more than 1,000 days.
NHS Providers’ deputy chief, Saffron Cordery, said there are “significant shortages of beds, staff and equipment”.
She added: “It’s really important that children and young people receive timely treatment given their developmental needs and to prevent more care being required further down the line.”
Patricia Marquis, director of the Royal College of Nursing, added: “Each cancellation will have brought stress and anxiety for children and their parents and carers – as well as the nursing staff.”
A Department of Health spokesperson said: “Cutting waiting lists is one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities.
“The NHS has already virtually eliminated waits of more than two years for treatment, while 18-month waits have been cut by over 80% since the peak in September 2021.
“At the same time, we’re growing the healthcare workforce and the NHS will publish a long-term workforce plan shortly.”