Surgical procedures: plans to standardise access in London are being rushed through, says BMA

Doctors have warned that controversial NHS plans to reform a series of common surgical procedures are being rushed through and will negatively affect patients who need treatment.

Concerns were raised by the BMA in response to draft policies, being released over the coming weeks, that will restrict when certain treatments are available on the NHS.

NHS England has commissioned a network of clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), health bodies, and councils around London—known as the Healthy London Partnership—to develop a single approach for specific treatments in the capital.

The London Choosing Wisely programme is looking at eight areas of surgery, including removal of benign skin lesions; hip and knee replacements; keyhole knee surgery; procedures for dealing with back pain, shoulder pain, and varicose …