NHS rations care in UK, has to prioritize, has financial pressures

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6/19/12, "NHS care, including knee and hip operations, 'rationed'," BBC

"Access to NHS care, including knee and hip operations, is being restricted, data from trusts in England suggests.

The evidence - gathered under the Freedom of Information Act by GP magazine - showed nine in 10 trusts were imposing restrictions.

The trend was blamed on cost-cutting by some, leaving the government to say there was no justification for it....

But David Stout, of the NHS Confederation, which represents primary care trusts, said there were sometimes justifiable reasons for rationing.

He said while arbitrary restrictions should not be put in place, trusts had to prioritise care in the current environment and make sure they got the best value available.

"The NHS faces considerable financial pressures and scarce resources have to be used as effectively as possible."

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