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The number of patients undergoing common surgical procedures varies widely across England because of funding restrictions, figures show.
Local NHS rationing of hernia repair, hip and knee replacements, cataracts and varicose vein surgeries has led to a "postcode lottery", say researchers.
Writing in the Lancet, they warned such policies could be "storing up problems for the future".
The Department of Health said access to services should not be decided on cost.
Suitability for surgery should be judged by clinical experts on the basis of individual need, a spokesman added.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21703667
Local NHS rationing of hernia repair, hip and knee replacements, cataracts and varicose vein surgeries has led to a "postcode lottery", say researchers.
Writing in the Lancet, they warned such policies could be "storing up problems for the future".
The Department of Health said access to services should not be decided on cost.
Suitability for surgery should be judged by clinical experts on the basis of individual need, a spokesman added.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21703667