Half of England's Health Boards Delay Patient Care with Imposed Minimum Waiting Times

An analysis of data published by The BMJ reveals that nearly half of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England are deliberately delaying patient care by imposing minimum waiting times of 12 to 16 weeks for certain surgical procedures, including hip, knee, and cataract surgery. This approach is being used to manage demand and control costs, raising concerns from medical colleges about prolonged patient pain and potential deterioration of conditions.