Patients waiting for a range of routine operations could find their surgery axed to help the NHS save money.
Oxfordshire NHS Primary Care Trust managers are looking at five treatments to decide whether to cut the number of operations they commission.
A similar review in 2005 saw hernia, cardiac ablations and varicose vein patients removed from waiting lists.
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This time, the PCT is reviewing hysterectomies, where women have their wombs removed, and dilatation and curettage, where part of the womb lining is removed, along with lower back surgery, tonsillectomy, to remove the tonsils, and myringotomy, where an incision is made in the ear drum to drain fluid. The latter two operations are mainly done on children.
The PCT wants to save £18m this financial year and keep a tight rein on spending next year.
In a board report last December, Matthew Tait, the director of finance and performance, said they had managed to halve the amount of hernia operations. He added: "We're looking at five further areas. Although these are unlikely to result in cost reduction this year, they will form part of our recovery plan next year."
When contacted by the Oxford Mail, managers first tried to deny they were considering the move, before claiming the review was in line with Department of Health guidance - ministers say decisions on treatments are a PCT matter.
The PCT finally admitted it could not guarantee patients already referred for one of the five treatments would stay on the waiting list, if it was decided to make the cuts.
Oxford West and Abingdon MP Dr Evan Harris, who raised the issue in the House of Commons, said that although many operations might not be clinically essential, they made a difference to patients.
He added: "I'm concerned that when the Oxford Mail approached the PCT initially, they denied they were doing anything. Only on further questioning have they admitted that this is on the agenda.
"If they're going to do this, they must be transparent about it."
Dr Ljuba Stirzaker, PCT public health medicine consultant and chairman of the Oxfordshire Priorities Forum, which decides which treatments should be used within the county, said: "We understand that the DoH wants us to look at these five, because some patients may be operated on unnecessarily.
"It has been suggested that we look at these procedures to save money. I honestly don't know how much money it could save us."
The PCT has issued guidelines to GPs not to prescribe more than 28 days' medication at a time in a bid to cut wastage of drugs.
Doctors say the move is inconvenient and will be expensive for patients who rely on long-term medication and will have to pay a fee for each new prescription.
Dr Stirzaker said GPs could still use their judgment on individual cases.
Posted by: Mick Bedding, Bicester on 8:34am Mon 19 Feb 07
I am currently going through the complaints procedure regarding the increase in my prescription charge due to only receiving 28 tablets since April 1996. I have been given many excuses as to why this has happened - but the real reason is to save money - not cut down on wastage. I have complained directly to the PCT, and know I am waiting for the findings of the Healthcare commission. I seriously advise any others affected by this ruling to complain bitterly to the Chief Executive of the Oxfordshire PCT Ms Andrea Young at Indigo House, Banbury Business Park, Aynho Rd, Adderbury OX17 3NS. The more people who complain, the better it will be for everybody. Why should we have to have our presciption cost doubled. There are many practises out there that have not brought this new ruling in for fear of upsetting their patients.
I am currently going through the complaints procedure regarding the increase in my prescription charge due to only receiving 28 tablets since April 1996. I have been given many excuses as to why this has happened - but the real reason is to save money - not cut down on wastage. I have complained directly to the PCT, and know I am waiting for the findings of the Healthcare commission. I seriously advise any others affected by this ruling to complain bitterly to the Chief Executive of the Oxfordshire PCT Ms Andrea Young at Indigo House, Banbury Business Park, Aynho Rd, Adderbury OX17 3NS. The more people who complain, the better it will be for everybody. Why should we have to have our presciption cost doubled. There are many practises out there that have not brought this new ruling in for fear of upsetting their patients.
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