Hand Surgeons reiterate value of key procedures

02 July 2018 (Last updated: 2 Jul 2018 14:24)

The British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) believes that a proposed move by NHS England to cut patient access to treatment for common hand conditions will be damaging to patients and, over the long term, more costly to the UK economy.

Speaking in response to the medical director of NHS England Steve Powis’s interview in the Times (published 30 June 2018) and the NHS England consultation which goes live on 4 July, BSSH President David Shewring said:

“Those of us working in the NHS are committed to providing value for money. As hand specialists we are fully focused on delivering effective, evidence-based treatment for our patients.

“Carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture and trigger finger are common conditions which have a significant detrimental effect on quality of life. Timely treatment for these conditions is effective in relieving symptoms, preventing irreversible loss of function and keeping patients in employment.

“We have extensive data on the efficacy, success and cost effectiveness of these treatments, which are relatively low cost in terms of resources.

“For these procedures to be branded ‘unnecessary or risky’, ‘useless’ or ‘harmful’ is incorrect and is grossly misleading to patients and the public.

“Having said this we accept that there needs to be some rationing and we look forward to seeing the consultation paper and to working with NHS England and others to ensure the evidence available is fully understood.”

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