182 children’s operations in Reading cancelled over the past five years

These figures show that 74 children’s operations were cancelled in 2022, an increase of 100% compared to the year before.

The Liberal Democrats are urging the government to devise a rescue plan to bring health services back from the brink. This would include bringing in a proper plan to tackle workforce shortages in the NHS, investing in newer equipment and increasing bed capacity at local hospitals.

The figures, obtained by the Liberal Democrats through Freedom of Information requests, show that 42 children’s operations have been cancelled due to a lack of beds and 27 due to staff shortages since 2018. Another 9 were cancelled due to equipment problems, such as machines being faulty or not being available.

The data suggests that some children at the local NHS trust were left waiting up to 300 days for an operation.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Tilehurst, Anne Thompson said:

“Behind these shocking figures are countless children and parents in our community having to wait in pain and distress.

"Years of neglect by this government have led to chronic staff shortages and a lack of hospital beds, and now local families are paying the price.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling for a rescue plan now to bring local health services back from the brink. That must include increasing bed capacity and tackling staff shortages so people aren’t left waiting so long for the care they deserve.”