Today, BAPO is pleased to launch a major new independent economic analysis by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), examining the case for increased investment in UK prosthetic and orthotic services.
The findings are clear.
Cebr estimates that the current P&O workforce shortfall could leave around 193,000 people without adequate access to prosthetic or orthotic care.
Investing to address this gap could:
- Generate approximately £126 million in net health and social care savings in the first year
- Deliver a £1.28 net health and social care saving for every £1 invested
- Increase the total economic return to £1.88 for every £1 investedwhen productivity benefits are included
- Prevent an estimated £1.4 billion in lost health and social care savings by 2035
- Support greater independence, mobility, participation and quality of life for patients
The report also highlights a fundamental challenge facing the profession: the continued lack of comprehensive national data on prosthetic and orthotic workforce capacity, patient need, activity and outcomes.
This is not simply a case for greater investment in P&O. It is a case for recognising prosthetics and orthotics as an essential part of an efficient, preventative and sustainable health and care system.
Investment in P&O does not just improve lives. It makes economic sense.