BOA Statement following the 2017 General Election

The British Orthopaedic Association looks forward to working with the new Government to explore solutions to the enormous challenges facing health and social care across the UK.

Patients' lives are routinely transformed by trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Hip and knee replacement can allow a patient to return to an active life, that might include employed work, voluntary work, and domestic and family responsibilities, with significant economic and societal benefits. Trauma care strives to return each patient to full health or otherwise aid them to achieve the best outcomes possible in the context of their particular injury and health background. Trauma and orthopaedic surgery is cost effective and delivers major economic benefits; however, its capacity must be increased to meet existing demand and increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disease.

The UK has excellent outcomes from trauma and orthopaedic surgery, and with steady improvements in recent years due to changes led by the profession. Initiatives such as the National Hip Fracture Database, establishment of Major Trauma Networks and National Joint Registry data have been some of the major contributors to these improvements. The Conservative election manifesto discussed 'Exceptional standards of care, wherever, whenever' and the importance of outcome data being used to improve care – both principles which the BOA endorses. However, we highlight two key points: 

• In order to deliver universally exceptional care NHS spending must be at a level which supports the needs of an ageing population with increasing demands for healthcare, with a particular focus on long-term conditions. Improving the link between health and social care must be promoted to derive benefits for all patients. A primary aim for the incoming Government should be to equal the average amount spent on healthcare in the better performing western economies as a proportion of GDP. For several years now the amount of money being spent per head for health care is below that. Achieving a high standard of health care is incompatible with the planned expenditure as expressed in the manifestos of any of the three major parties.

• We agree with the value of outcome data to improve care, and we stress the importance of the Government and NHS working closely with professions in relation to the use and interpretation of such data. We have plans for wider collection and use of data within the orthopaedic sector and are keen to work with the incoming Government to ensure these plans become a reality. But this data must be used in the context of a learning environment which encourages healthcare professionals to strive for the highest standards and not to be in fear of criticism.

The BOA is committed to working alongside the Government to address these issues and will strive to ensure that BOA members' views are represented across all levels of government.

For more information, please contact: [email protected].