The confirmation followed a report in The Times which said estimated that up to 140,000 patients could be affected by the spending limits by the end of March this year.

Katherine Sheerin, chief commissioning officer at NHS Greater Manchester, told HM: ‘Recent changes to national funding mean some treatments in independent hospitals are temporarily paused for some patients while we focus resources where they are most needed. We are working closely with all providers to manage waiting lists safely and reduce delays wherever possible, and we remain committed to supporting patients and families. We also encourage patients and families to share any feedback or concerns with NHS services.'

The statement followed reports of operations being postponed at short notice.

Private providers have said the funding cap has also affected treatment of mental health patients.

A Priory spokesperson said ‘independent sector mental health in area capacity is being under-used in many areas, despite NHS emergency pressures remaining high – a pattern we and other independent providers have seen for over a year now so it points to a system flow problem, not simply a shortage of beds as the capacity is available. This is an issue we have raised publicly and among Parliamentarians and the wider sector'.