Gap of seven-weeks advised for elective surgery after Omicron

NHS hospitals are being advised to delay elective surgical procedures by a minimum of seven weeks if a patient has just had Omicron, despite a backlog of routine operations, although in some circumstances the surgery may be considered urgent enough to proceed.

UK experts have said the proposed move is a precaution due to the first couple of months following infection is a riskier period, linked to poorer post-operative recovery.

The experts who made the recommendations say the desire to tackle backlogs and waiting lists must be balanced with delivering the safest possible care.

There are currently six million people on NHS waiting lists in England, one in nine of the population.  Around one in twenty of these has been waiting for more than 12 months, and four routine care such as knee and hip surgery.

Dr Mike Nathanson, president of the Association of Anaesthetists, said “The frustration felt by patients is immense and we – the healthcare professionals – want to do our jobs and provide these services when it is safe to do so and with the risks clear to all involved.

“We look forward to new data being available soon which may further clarify the situation now that the Omicron variant is dominant, and most patients are vaccinated.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 7382