The higher risk general surgical patient: towards improved care for a forgotten group

According to this report the NHS must address the significant variations in care experienced by the 170,000 patients who have major emergency abdominal surgery each year. Poorly designed hospital services, particularly access to emergency operating theatres and radiology treatment, are among the problems highlighted. It makes nine detailed recommendations which, if implemented within two years, will reduce complications and deaths, as well as reduce the cost of treating a group of patients who account for almost 90 per cent of post-operative general surgical deaths.

• Report
• The Royal College of Surgeons of England - press release