BOA statement on NHS ordering hospitals to cut back on treating patients

The British Orthopaedic Association is very concerned by accounts from our members, echoed by media reports, indicating that treatment is being restricted as the NHS orders hospitals to save money reported in the BBC, Health Service Journal and Daily Telegraph, among others.

Long-awaited operations are being postponed or cancelled, even in areas that are not facing seasonal pressures.  In some cases, patients have also been informed that their orthopaedic procedure will no longer be routinely funded, often without clear explanation.

We are mindful that there is no straight-forward solution to mitigate the considerable pressures faced by the Government and NHS leaders, but caution against indiscriminate decisions that are informed by non-clinical imperatives.

Decisions that limit access to care must always be guided by the needs of our patients and made with careful consideration about the impact on their lives.

The consequences for trauma and orthopaedic services will inevitably be increased delays for procedures that consistently relieve pain, improve mobility, protect independence, facilitate return to work, and enhance provision of care to dependants. Delays or withdrawal of treatment also risks prolonging suffering and worsening long-term outcomes.

Government and NHS leaders must be transparent with patients and surgeons about the basis for these decisions and clear communication is essential, particularly at a time when the NHS is already struggling to meet the 18-week Referral to Treatment target.

Without this transparency, trust is undermined and it is patients who bear the greatest burden of the uncertainty that this causes.