As a result of the testing of the HRG4 2009/10 Local Payment Grouper, Known Issue 3, as detailed in the HRG4 2008/09 Reference Costs Grouper Known Issues Log on the NHS IC Casemix website, has been re-assessed as critical.

A collaborative decision has therefore been made with the Department of Health Payment by Results team to remove the HRG4 2008/09 Reference Costs Grouper previously made available on the IC Casemix website, resolve the issue and re-release the HRG4 2008/09 Reference Costs Grouper as soon as feasible.

Whilst this issue is not expected to impact upon the current Reference Costs collection timetable, the Department of Health Payment by Results team will continue to review the situation and take appropriate action if necessary.We apologise for this delay and for any inconvenience that this may cause.

For queries about 2008/09 Reference Costs, in the first instance, please contact your Strategic Health Authority Reference Costs lead.