NHS: Joint Replacement Procedures

Baroness O'Loan Excerpts

Tuesday 5th April 2011 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Northover]

I hear what the noble Baroness says. Clinicians are undoubtedly likely to be and need to be in the lead on this. It is extremely important that we have transparent evidence, but we always have to bear in mind that a patient is an individual and what may look like the best route for one individual may not work out quite like that. All of us have experience of that. However, if you are basing it on the best evidence possible, I hope that the patient will be able to see the real choices and that things will work out for the best.

[Baroness O'Loan]

My Lords, I declare an interest as a recipient of two finger joints and I am waiting for another one. Can the Minister tell us what work has been done to identify the cost of failing to replace joints and allowing waiting lists to grow—as they almost inevitably will in view of the present cuts—in terms of decreased mobility and the inability of people to sustain their own independent living?