Surgery on Fridays May Carry a Higher Mortality Risk, Study Finds
A recent study found that patients undergoing surgery on Fridays face higher postoperative risks and mortality rates, possibly due to reduced hospital staffing ahead of the weekend.
Published on April 14, 2025
Recent research indicates that patients undergoing elective surgery on Fridays experience an increased risk of postoperative complications and higher mortality rates. A study analyzing over four million procedures in NHS hospitals in England from 2008 to 2011 found that the risk of death increased progressively through the week, with operations on Fridays showing a 44% higher risk compared to those on Mondays. Researchers suggest that reduced hospital staffing and available resources as the weekend approaches might be a key factor.
Additional reports from May 2013 by Imperial College London and BBC News have underscored these findings, highlighting the potential dangers of scheduling surgery later in the week. The data supports the notion that the timing of a procedure, particularly on Fridays, is an important factor to consider in patient safety and surgical planning.