CCG restrictions could harm patients

Dr Chris Duffy, NHS HMR CCG Chairman and local GP

A BMJ investigation has found that Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England have begun implementing new restrictions on referrals to secondary care. This could therefore restrict patients who need treatment for problems described as “low clinical value treatment.”

These restrictions come as CCGs strive to manage their resources amid increasing financial restraints.

In response to the BMJ findings, Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and Chairman of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Our investment review panel considers where the CCG should focus investment. This ensures that we spend public money appropriately to improve access to services where there is proven health benefit, while disinvesting in areas with limited clinical benefit."

Speculation has risen over whether patient’s health could suffer and if budgetary pressures and being put above the patients need for treatment. Low clinical value treatments that could be withheld from patients include treatment for hernia, cataract surgery, hip and knee surgery, tonsillectomies and IVF fertility treatment.

Dr Duffy said: “The primary purpose of these measures is to ensure patients receive appropriate outcomes from interventions.”

It also raises the question of whether the government, in collaboration with the medical profession and the public, should draw up a list of core services for the NHS to avoid a postcode lottery, a system that decides the distribution of public services based on budgets.

Dr Duffy said: “HMR CCG is working hard to provide quality healthcare services in the best possible place, which is not always a hospital. It’s about offering care in the community and closer to home to meet patients’ needs.”