An NHS body has suspended all hip replacements, cataract operations and other non-urgent surgeries for more than two months in an attempt to save more than £3 million.
Patients in Kent will be denied elective surgery for up to 102 days in an unprecedented move that doctors have condemned as unfair and damaging.
West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) delayed all non-urgent surgeries from December 20 last year until the new financial year begins in April as they attempt to recoup £3.2 million.
News of the policy, which will put about 1,700 people at risk of their condition worsening and leave many in pain, emerged in board papers published this week. Hospitals in the area are being told to “reduce non-urgent elective care until the