Delays in NHS Operations are a stark contrast to Blair's spin

1.20.45pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 26th Feb 2007

Channel 4's Dispatches programme has shown that almost half of NHS hospitals across England are deliberately delaying operations to save money.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb MP said "The results of this survey stand in stark contrast to the Prime Minister's recent spin that waiting times are constantly tumbling. The reality is that the impact of deficits and the politically imposed deadline for breaking even, is resulting in health trusts making these perverse decisions."

Continuing Norman said "Wherever health trusts are in deficit they are often forced to delay referral of patients to hospitals. These bizarre and counterproductive practices mean patients are waiting longer than they should to see a consultant.

"Patricia Hewitt's desire to save her own job by making the NHS break even this year is resulting in other people losing theirs."