Cancelled NHS operation twice due to non-clinic issues, worth pursuing NHS constitution?

[Allisnotlost1]

I had a planned operation cancelled on the day a couple of weeks ago due to no beds, I had already been booked in by the time they told me. I was then scheduled for two weeks later, and now found out two days before that it will not go ahead due to no theatre staff. Next date is in a month. I have become quite unwell in between, and now need further treatment to be able to get to the new surgery date.

My understanding is that the NHS constitution says non-clinical cancellation should result in a binding date within 28 days, but this hasn’t happened. Am I wasting my time trying to pursue this? Any experiences either way are welcome.

You can try but if there are no beds or insufficient staff the operation can’t happen. “Should” doesn’t mean they will / must it means they will try and they can give you a “binding date” but due to unforeseen circumstances it can still be cancelled. Very frustrating but sadly the NHS is stretched beyond and the service is constantly having to prioritise patients in order of relative emergency and threat to life / juggle staff shortages / bed shortages and other daily challenges.