A THIRD of GPs believe that health authorities are rationing NHS treatments because of costs, according to a survey.

Despite orders not to limit services, 35 per cent of general practitioners said that primary care trusts are restricting access to a number of treatments.

The poll, conducted by GP Magazine among 682 GPs, found that primary care trusts are rationing operations for hernia, joint replacement and varicose veins.

There were also restrictions on fertility treatments – such as IVF – and tonsillectomies, and access to some drugs.

GPs believe that health commissioners are also raising thresholds so most patients are not eligible for treatment, the magazine suggests.

In June, it emerged that pressure to save money had left 90 per cent of primary care trusts restricting certain procedures, including hip, knee and cataract operations and weight-loss surgery.

Following the disclosure, ministers warned local commissioners that decisions as to whether and when to treat patients should be made on clinical grounds alone.

 

In a separate survey, carried out on behalf of the BMI Healthcare private health group, it was found that at least once a month 55 per cent of GPs in the North-East are unable to refer patients for treatment because of NHS restrictions.

An even higher proportion of GPs – 74 per cent – encountered regular referral problems in Yorkshire and the Humber.

A spokeswoman for NHS County Durham and Darlington said: “The clinical policies agreed by most primary care trusts across the North-East do not include any restrictions on access to surgery for hip and knee replacements, cataracts or weight-loss management.

“The policy for varicose veins includes restrictions for patients wanting surgery for cosmetic reasons alone. There is no restriction in access to treatment for patients with disabling pain and other complications.”

A spokesman for NHS North Yorkshire and York said there are a number of treatments which are not routinely commissioned because they are procedures of limited clinical value.

“However, patients can be considered through an individual funding request should their clinician think they meet the criteria. We do not have blanket bans on any treatment.”

A Department of Health spokeswoman said it is unacceptable for the NHS to impose blanket bans for treatment on the basis of costs.