Latest news with #JimEaston
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Surge in private medical procedures as NHS cuts back on common surgeries
Operations such as cataract surgery went up by 39%, hernia repair by 110% and tonsillectomies by 105% - with procedures like these deemed 'of limited value' by the NHS. New statistics indicate a significant surge in private medical procedures for common ailments as the NHS scales back or ceases funding for certain surgeries, 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, while hernia repairs have risen by 110% and tonsillectomies increased by 105%. According to data, analysed from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), England has seen a 61% increase in breast reduction admissions and circumcisions reaching a 118% hike. Furthermore, treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome jumped by 64%, while adenoidectomies soared by 145%. These increases come in the wake of new guidelines seeking to steer NHS commissioners away from these types of surgeries. The Evidence-based Intervention (EBI) list was created to reduce the number of medical or surgical interventions which could be inappropriate for some patients in some circumstances. Jim Easton, from Practice Plus Group hospitals which conducted the analysis, remarked: "It is correct that there are proper eligibility criteria to ensure that only those people who will benefit from surgery are offered it. "In the last six years, 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 who worked for many years in the NHS, was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia in 2023 but was unable to access surgery via them, so he chose to pay for Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group. Sharing his experience, 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 said he has heard of many other people in similar situations and said GPs are advising people to go private for surgery because there are so many restrictions on funding. Jim says it's important the NHS ensures the EBI programme does not drift away from one intended to benefit patients. He cautions that the EBI has also created a 'postcode lottery' as different areas might adopt the list entirely while others will adapt it. Moreover, he said: "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."
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Patients turn to private healthcare as NHS cuts funding
Patients have turned to private healthcare as the NHS cuts finding to procedures for common conditions. Private operations such as cataract surgery went up by 39 per cent, hernia repair by 110 per cent and tonsillectomies by 105 per cent since the procedures were deemed 'of limited value' by the NHS, new figures reveal. Analysis of the latest data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) also revealed private admissions in England for breast reductions have increased by 61 per cent, and circumcision by 118 per cent. While carpal tunnel syndrome treatment was up 64 per cent and adenoid removals by 145 per cent, according to statistics. The numbers have risen since the introduction of a list of procedures NHS commissioners have been guided away from funding. The Evidence-based Intervention (EBI) list was created to reduce the number of medical or surgical interventions, which could be inappropriate for some patients in some circumstances – and to save the NHS money. Postcode lottery Jim Easton, of Practice Plus Group hospitals, which performed the analysis, said: 'It is correct that there are proper eligibility criteria to ensure that only those people who will benefit from surgery are offered it. 'In the last six years, 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.' He said NHS bosses need to make sure the EBI programme 'is not drifting from one intended to benefit patients' to 'one that is more intent on cost-cutting'. 'More and more patients are voting with their feet and continuing to seek out these surgeries even if they have to pay for them,' he added before warning of a postcode lottery. 'The EBI list has also created a postcode lottery, for example, where in one area it has adopted the list in its entirety and someone would find it almost impossible to get the treatment they need, in another, the NHS commissioners have recognised their population needs and adapted the list. '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.'
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Private ops for common conditions are rocketing due to NHS restrictions, new figures reveal
Graeme Wakerley, a retired haematologist, was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and had no choice but to pay for surgery NOT WAITING AROUND Private ops for common conditions are rocketing due to NHS restrictions, new figures reveal Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRIVATE medical procedures for common conditions are rocketing as the NHS restricts access or stops funding them altogether, new figures reveal. Operations such as cataract surgery went up by 39 per cent, hernia repair by 110 per cent and tonsillectomies by 105 per cent - with procedures like these deemed 'of limited value' by the NHS. 1 Private hernia repairs have gone up 110 per cent Credit: Getty Analysis of the latest data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) also revealed private admissions in England for breast reductions have increased by 61 per cent, and circumcision by 118 per cent. While carpal tunnel syndrome treatment (64 per cent), and adenoid removals (145 per cent) are all on the increase, according to statistics. The numbers have risen since the introduction of a list of procedures aimed at guiding NHS commissioners away from funding these treatments. The Evidence-based Intervention (EBI) list was created to reduce the number of medical or surgical interventions which could be inappropriate for some patients in some circumstances- and to save the NHS money. Jim Easton of Practice Plus Group hospitals, which performed the analysis, said: "It is correct that there are proper eligibility criteria to ensure that only those people who will benefit from surgery are offered it. "In the last six years, 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. "The NHS needs to take care to ensure the EBI programme is not drifting from one intended to benefit patients and reduce unnecessary interventions to one that is more intent on cost-cutting. "More and more patients are voting with their feet and continuing to seek out these surgeries even if they have to pay for them. "The EBI list has also created a postcode lottery, for example, where in one area it has adopted the list in its entirety and someone would find it almost impossible to get the treatment they need, in another, the NHS commissioners have recognised their population needs and adapted the list. "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." NHS wait lists rise again Graeme Wakerley, 71, a retired haematologist who worked for many years in the NHS, was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia in 2023 but was unable to access surgery via them, so he chose to pay for Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group. 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. I have heard of many other people in similar situations. GPs are having to advise people to go private for surgery because there are so many restrictions on funding."
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Private ops for common conditions are rocketing due to NHS restrictions, new figures reveal
PRIVATE medical procedures for common conditions are rocketing as the NHS restricts access or stops funding them altogether, new figures reveal. Operations such as cataract surgery went up by 39 per cent, hernia repair by 110 per cent and tonsillectomies by 105 per cent - with procedures like these deemed 'of limited value' by the NHS. 1 Analysis of the latest data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) also revealed private admissions in England for breast reductions have increased by 61 per cent, and circumcision by 118 per cent. While carpal tunnel syndrome treatment (64 per cent), and adenoid removals (145 per cent) are all on the increase, according to statistics. The numbers have risen since the introduction of a list of procedures aimed at guiding NHS commissioners away from funding these treatments. The Evidence-based Intervention (EBI) list was created to reduce the number of medical or surgical interventions which could be inappropriate for some patients in some circumstances- and to save the NHS money. Jim Easton of Practice Plus Group hospitals, which performed the analysis, said: "It is correct that there are proper eligibility criteria to ensure that only those people who will benefit from surgery are offered it. "In the last six years, 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. "The NHS needs to take care to ensure the EBI programme is not drifting from one intended to benefit patients and reduce unnecessary interventions to one that is more intent on cost-cutting. "More and more patients are voting with their feet and continuing to seek out these surgeries even if they have to pay for them. "The EBI list has also created a postcode lottery, for example, where in one area it has adopted the list in its entirety and someone would find it almost impossible to get the treatment they need, in another, the NHS commissioners have recognised their population needs and adapted the list. "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." Graeme Wakerley, 71, a retired haematologist who worked for many years in the NHS, was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia in 2023 but was unable to access surgery via them, so he chose to pay for Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group. 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. I have heard of many other people in similar situations. GPs are having to advise people to go private for surgery because there are so many restrictions on funding." THE NHS waiting list in England has become a political flashpoint as it has ballooned in recent years, more than doubling in a decade. The statistics for England count the number of procedures, such as operations and non-surgical treatments, that are due to patients. The procedures are known as elective treatment because they are planned and not emergencies. Many are routine ops such as for hip or knee replacements, cataracts or kidney stones, but the numbers also include some cancer treatments. This is how the wait list has changed over time: August 2007: 4.19million – The first entry in current records. December 2009: 2.32million – The smallest waiting list on modern record. April 2013: 2.75million – The Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition restructures the NHS. Current chancellor Jeremy Hunt was Health Secretary. April 2016: 3.79million – Junior doctors go on strike for the first time in 40 years. Theresa May is elected Prime Minister. February 2020: 4.57million – The final month before the UK's first Covid lockdown in March 2020. July 2021: 5.61million – The end of all legal Covid restrictions in the UK. January 2023: 7.21million – New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledges to reduce waiting lists within a year, effectively April 2024. September 2023: 7.77million – The highest figure on record comes during a year hit with strikes by junior doctors, consultants, nurses and ambulance workers. February 2024: 7.54million – Ministers admit the pledge to cut the backlog has failed. August 2024: 7.64million – List continues to rise under Keir Starmer's new Labour Government. September 2024: 7.57million – A one per cent decline is the first fall since February and a glimmer of hope. December 2024: 7.46million – The list has fallen for four consecutive months. January 2025: 7.43m – still falling but slowly, likely due to added strain on emergency services and more cancellations due to illness over winter.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shocking study reveals 8 in 10 Brits have experienced chronic aches and pains
Eight in 10 Brits have experienced chronic aches and pains, with a third admitting their lives are currently 'on hold' as a result. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed over half (53 per cent) have suffered discomfort for more than a year, with 24 per cent claiming aches and pains had stopped them from doing what they enjoy in life and a quarter saying they have had to stop working. This rises to 42 per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds, while 38 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds have had to reduce their hours or change roles as a result of poor health. Of those affected, a quarter (26 per cent) have arthritis, of which 43 per cent admitted it impacted their ability to work as they normally would. A quarter of people suffering from aches and pains have experienced financial stress as a result. The Seated Deadlift is the most underrated long-term lower back exercise in my opinion, and in this thread I'll explain my main theory on the lower back pain epidemic, concluded from 15 years of observation as a coach, and helping people to hundreds of low back success stories… — KneesOverToesGuy (@kneesovertoesg) April 23, 2025 Yet, 71 per cent of people whose work lives have been affected by aches and pains believe they would return to normal work once they get access to the treatment and care they need, such as hip and knee replacements for arthritis. Jim Easton, chief executive of Practice Plus Group hospitals, which commissioned the research, said: 'We often downplay 'aches and pains' but they amount to a significant impact on people's quality of life. 'This research has revealed huge numbers of people living with chronic aches and pains affecting every area of their personal and working lives. "This is why it's so important we help people access the treatment and care they need whether that's NHS and reducing waiting lists, or making private healthcare more affordable - because people's lives are on hold.' When it came to personal lives, almost half (46 per cent) of those with health issues have difficulties with everyday tasks such as shopping or housework, and 42 per cent lean on others for support more than they'd like. More broadly, of all respondents to experience a health issue that's impacted everyday life – sleeping comfortably, walking long distances, or even sitting or standing for prolonged periods was difficult, according to the data. While the parents and grandparents polled struggled to physically keep up with their kids and grandkids respectively, with a fifth feeling guilty for not being as involved as they'd like. An example of such a negative impact such ailments can have on everyday life is that of Linda Hand, 58, from Stamford, Lincolnshire. A self-employed property surveyor, her work is physically demanding, needing to keep fit and agile to climb ladders and crawl through loft spaces. However, crippling joint pain in her hips and knees stopped her in her tracks, resulting in lost earnings and financial stress. Her GP advised that the prospect of surgery at her local NHS hospital could be up to a four-year wait due to her relatively young age. Linda said: 'I was very depressed. By this point, I couldn't work, drive, or walk due to excruciating hip pain. 'Seeing how broken the NHS is and how long I would have to wait for a hip replacement, I felt hopeless. 'At 58, I was starting to think of myself as just getting old and resigning myself to a life of pain while waiting for surgery.' Linda looked into a local private hospital but couldn't afford it. She then found Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, which has a hospital in Barlborough, Derbyshire, a two-hour drive away, and could afford her total hip replacement. She said: 'We are by no means rich and paying for surgery was a big consideration, but I am so glad I went for it. I'm now recovering well and have felt like myself again for the first time in ages. Recommended reading: Can my neighbour remove our boundary hedge without my permission? DVSA reveal the top 10 most common driving test mistakes 6.3 million homes and properties in UK currently 'at serious risk' of flooding 'I'm able to earn again, which I wouldn't have been had I not paid to have surgery sooner. 'I'm enjoying playing Padel, doing Pilates, walking and swimming. I feel my new hip has given me my life back.' Jim Easton, from Practice Plus Group hospitals, added: 'We see a lot of self-employed people like Linda choosing our Wellsoon private surgery as it's very easy to compare the cost of the operation with a loss of earnings over time. 'Following the recent budget, I expect we'll see more people take action to get their lives back on track as they're trapped between not reaching their earning potential, and waiting for the NHS lists to come down. 'I would urge people to ask their GP to compare waiting times at different hospitals under the 'patient choice' initiative to get seen as soon as possible- and if considering going private, compare prices within an hour or two of where you live and look for price certainty in what you'll pay.'
