Under the proposals outlined in a report published on April 1, groin hernia repairs would be severely restricted, while treatment for chronic back pain, specific back pain and non-specific back pain would be cut back.

Cosmetic surgery, including breast reductions and removal of non-cancerous moles, would also be mostly stopped, as would circumcision.

In some cases, the CCGs have said their plans are supported by clinical evidence when in fact they contravene guidance on the issue. The RCS said the move could prevent patients receiving necessary treatment. Between them, the CCGs are responsible for the planning and commissioning of health care services for more than two million patients.

In a leaflet for patients, the CCGs insist the move is not about saving money but in a policy document for GPs, they say: "CCGs have limited budgets; these are used to commission healthcare that meets the reasonable requirements of its patients, subject to the CCG staying within the budget it has been allocated."