Labour: Thousands denied treatment to save NHS money

Shadow health minister Andy Burnham has claimed more than 50,000 people were denied treatment as a result of the need to make savings in the NHS.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Labour MP stated 52,000 individuals have been kept off NHS waiting lists because of new restrictions imposed by the government, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Mr Burnham stated amendments to rules on cataracts, varicose veins, carpal tunnel syndrome and other serious treatments have resulted in no treatment for these people.

"You boast of lower waiting lists - it's because you've stopped people getting on the waiting list in the first place," he told health minister Dr Dan Poulter.

Mr Burnham claimed patients who are in pain and discomfort and are unable to work are therefore being forced to pay for their treatment.

Figures from the Department of Health for September recently showed the total number of people who have been waiting more than a year for NHS hospital treatment was down to 1,600 from more than 20,000 last year.

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