British hospitals told to delay surgeries

LONDON, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Hospitals in Britain have been told to hold off operating on some patients until they've been on a waiting list for 20 weeks, documents show.

The instructions for delaying treatment as long as possible were included in letters sent to hospital managers, who also were told how many operations could be postponed until after the new fiscal year, which starts in April, the Telegraph said Tuesday. The instructions indicate the seriousness of the health services financial crisis, observers said.

Patients were having their treatment artificially delayed because the trusts that provide local medical care for National Health Services had to ensure they would break even, political leaders said. The trusts are in the throes of a $2.6 billion deficit.

In one letter, a health manager for East of England trust, outlined a plan to ensure hospital operations were "restricted to the minimum required to meet required access targets" regarding elective activities.

The delays were denounced by Andrew Lansley, shadow health secretary.

"These patients are being deliberately obstructed in accessing the treatment they need, despite hospitals having paid for the staff who can treat them," he said.