Story perspectives

Knee Replacement Cancellations Cost NHS £15.5 Million

12/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

Academics criticized knee replacement cancellations as unforgivable, citing University of Bristol study.
From 2018 to 2023, quarter of operations at six NHS hospitals were cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice.
The cancellations cost the NHS at least £6,500 per case, totaling £15.5 million and increasing waiting lists.
An NHS spokesperson said knee replacements have risen nearly a third since the study, but more efforts are needed to prevent cancellations.

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Story summary

Academics criticized knee replacement cancellations as unforgivable, citing University of Bristol study.
From 2018 to 2023, quarter of operations at six NHS hospitals were cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice.
The cancellations cost the NHS at least £6,500 per case, totaling £15.5 million and increasing waiting lists.
An NHS spokesperson said knee replacements have risen nearly a third since the study, but more efforts are needed to prevent cancellations.