Hospital bosses in NHS Suffolk have published new restrictions on surgery for female incontinence, meaning that some women will have to rely on incontinence supplies for longer than planned.

According to an investigation by Pulse magazine, the primary care trust (PCT) has added five new restrictions to its 'low priority procedure' list since last month.

The news provider revealed that female patients with urinary incontinence will now only have access to NHS-funded surgery if they have already undergone pelvic floor muscle training with a physiotherapist for three months.

The revelation comes after a recent article in Pulse magazine stated that two-thirds of PCTs had added new procedures to their 'low clinical priority' lists since April 2011.

NHS Suffolk is also trying to save money by restricting access to hip and knee replacement revision surgery and hernia operations.

According to the PCT's leaflet on funding decisions, it has to prioritise funding of treatments because of its limited resources.

The PCT says: "We use a transparent mechanism of decision making to develop the list of low priority procedure policies.

"Policies are developed and reviewed regularly, based on latest research evidence and guidelines - along with views of local hospital doctors, GPs and patient representatives."