BOA Statement on Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Verita Report

The Verita independent investigation report and CUH action plan highlight a range of important issues that warrant careful consideration by the profession and the wider healthcare system. It raises significant questions about how healthcare organisations facilitate and support best clinical practice, and maintain effective governance to ensure patient safety.

Our foremost concern is for the patients and families affected, and we recognise the distress and impact that such events can cause. Their experiences must remain central to the learning and reflection that follow.

We are taking time to read and reflect on the findings and recommendations in full. The BOA recognises the value of this report in identifying lessons that can strengthen professional practice, leadership, and systems of oversight.

We will consider how the BOA can best serve the needs of patients by reflecting on these findings, sharing learning, and taking forward actions that promote a culture of openness, accountability, and continuous improvement within the wider orthopaedic community for the benefit of patient care.

The BOA, BSCOS and GIRFT published a position statement outlining best practice in paediatric orthopaedic surgery on 20th March 2025 and  have been working for the previous six months on detailed recommendations which will be published shortly.