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Unforgivable' Cancellations Hit Knee Replacement Surgeries
1 Dec, 2025
Summary
- One quarter of knee surgeries were cancelled with short notice.
- These cancellations cost the NHS over £15.5 million.
- Patients experienced extreme frustration with last-minute postponements.
New research highlights that approximately a quarter of scheduled knee replacement surgeries across six NHS hospitals were cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice between 2018 and 2023. This practice has been described as "unforgivable" by academics.
The study, conducted by the University of Bristol, found these last-minute cancellations cost the NHS over £15.5 million during the five-year period. Each cancellation represents not only wasted resources but also significant emotional and logistical distress for patients who had prepared extensively for their procedures.
An NHS spokesperson acknowledged the issue, noting an increase in knee replacement surgeries since the study's timeframe. Efforts are underway to prevent future cancellations by opening surgical hubs and providing patients with personalized support for fitness to operate.
