NHS could save £40m a year

The NHS could save more than £40 million a year by making simple changes to the way patients are prepared for surgery and helped to recover, according to the Department of Health.

Officials say clinician-led changes piloted at a hospital in Guildford have demonstrated how money can be saved.

The changes involve ensuring potential complications are explored before admission and getting patients back on their feet as quickly as possible. The number of bed days for patients have been cut from ten to four for certain types of surgery.