One in 10 NHS operations cancelled at short notice

A national study has found that one in 10 NHS operations were cancelled within 24 hours of surgery, with further patients postponed at the preoperative assessment stage.

The study, published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, looked at planned surgery across participating NHS trusts in England. The main reasons for last-minute cancellations included acute medical conditions, operating lists running over time, and patients not attending.

Researchers found that a significant proportion of cancellations may have been avoidable. Earlier screening and better preparation could help identify patients whose health needs further review before surgery, reducing the chance of disruption on the day.

The findings also point to a wider issue in how planned care is organised. When health problems are picked up late, patients may experience distress, delay, and uncertainty, while hospitals lose theatre time and staff capacity.

This matters because surgery does not begin on the day of the operation. Good preparation, clear communication, and early review can make a difference to whether planned care goes ahead safely and efficiently.

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