BOA statement on National Tariff - policy proposals for 2017/18 and 2018/19

Yesterday, NHS Improvement published their National Tariff Policy Proposals for 2017/18 and 2018/19. The BOA will study these proposals in detail, given that they represent the start of a consultation process. 

We are grateful for NHS Improvement’s pragmatism in limiting the price reductions implied by their statistical models. Existing levels of throughput would be unsustainable if prices were cut as substantially as first suggested.

The BOA would appreciate clarity on how4 national bodies will support hospitals which are adversely affected by these proposals, and we need to know what support will be available when cross-subsidisation between specialties is not possible.

Orthopaedics has often been negatively affected by Tariff to a disproportionate degree. This has a direct impact on surgical practice and requires a solution, which NHS Improvement has rightly recognised.

The BOA is willing to work towards a long-term tariff solution, providing safeguards are in place to ensure orthopaedic services are not destabilised, and provided that the effect is not a radical increase in waiting times. 

Please contact [email protected] with any comments, or for further information.