HSE to restrict 20 most common surgeries

Access to some of Ireland’s most common hospital surgeries could be drastically cut in a HSE bid to reroute funds for lifesaving services with chronic waiting lists.

The move could limit access to 20 procedures — including hip replacements — as early as 2014. The list, to be finalised, will also include some cosmetic surgery, tonsillectomies, the removal of skin lesions, and varicose vein procedures.

Access to the surgeries could be limited to those with clear clinical need. Up to 50,000 people on waiting lists could be affected, facing the prospect of going private at substantial cost.