Patient centred orthodontic services and the future

A key concern for delegates was to find ways to ensure orthodontic care and contract management is patient focused and cost effective. The day began with Alison Murray welcoming delegates to the Bridewell Theatre off Fleet Street and explaining that BOS wanted to share ideas information and stimulate discussion. As the EU referendum took place on the preceding day, there were concerns around possible changes to the long awaited procurement procedures due to start formally in 2017. But Elaine McLean of Pinsent Masons, a solicitor specialising in EU commercial and procurement law, predicted that any changes would be many years away.

Elaine went on to say that commissioners had considerable flexibility and discretion to take on board the track record of the contract bidders in order to get the best outcome for patients. Currently, there is considerable variation in the value of the Unit of Orthodontic Activity – the system for paying orthodontists. Elaine said that a move to a nationally agreed UOA rate would be a further opportunity to make quality the driving force in commissioning decisions. The implications of awarding the contract to the wrong provider were wide ranging, expensive and potentially risky to patients, she said, and it was important to get it right first time.