Recommendations & Conclusions
34 items
1
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Acknowledged
Our key new recommendation is that, by April 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care works with NHS England to produce a broader national health and care recovery plan that goes beyond the elective backlog to emergency care, mental health, primary care, community care and social care. It should …
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Our key new recommendation is that, by April 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care works with NHS England to produce a broader national health and care recovery plan that goes beyond the elective backlog to emergency care, mental health, primary care, community care and social care. It should be sensitive to the needs of local populations, incorporate the plans already announced in the ten-year plan, and explain how they will be delivered by the new Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). That plan must also set out a clear vision for what ‘success’ in tackling the backlog will look like to patients. In setting those metrics for success, the plan must take account of the risk that a reliance on numerical targets alone will deprioritise key services and risk patient safety. Instead, it must embrace a range of indicators to demonstrate that hidden backlogs are also being tackled and compassionate cultures encouraged.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of integrated services, referencing existing plans and stating they will continue to develop and refine recovery plans, but does not commit to the specific broad national recovery plan by the specified deadline.
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Department of Health and Social Care
2
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
It is not appropriate to set a numerical target for the proportion of appointments carried out remotely in general practice. Instead practices should respond to the needs of their local populations and work together with patients to establish the most fitting medium for their consultations based on clinical outcomes. Remote …
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It is not appropriate to set a numerical target for the proportion of appointments carried out remotely in general practice. Instead practices should respond to the needs of their local populations and work together with patients to establish the most fitting medium for their consultations based on clinical outcomes. Remote care is not for everyone, and it is essential to avoid unintended clinical consequences that may occur.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted the conclusion that setting numerical targets for remote general practice appointments is inappropriate, agreeing that practices should respond to local population needs.
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Department of Health and Social Care
3
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
NHS England has already commissioned an evaluation of the role of digital tools in primary care. We recommend that it publishes that evaluation at the earliest opportunity and uses it as a basis to produce clear and consistent guidance on best practice in • Reducing bureaucracy and day-to-day IT administration …
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NHS England has already commissioned an evaluation of the role of digital tools in primary care. We recommend that it publishes that evaluation at the earliest opportunity and uses it as a basis to produce clear and consistent guidance on best practice in • Reducing bureaucracy and day-to-day IT administration tasks, including those associated with referrals, routine blood tests, and follow-up appointments. • The use of remote consultations in general practice. This should include guidance on how to approach conversations with patients about remote care, considering that while patients may not necessarily always be able to have a face-to-face appointment, they should have input into the decision and the rationale for any refusal should be transparent and consistent.
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms NHS England's evaluation of digital tools in primary care has concluded, and it will publish clear guidance on best practice, including reducing bureaucracy and the use of remote consultations, in due course.
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Department of Health and Social Care
4
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted in Part
We further recommend that NHS England looks beyond primary care in its assessment of the use of digital tools and considers the impact of an increased usage of such tools not only on patients, but also on other parts of the health and care system, especially at the primary care …
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We further recommend that NHS England looks beyond primary care in its assessment of the use of digital tools and considers the impact of an increased usage of such tools not only on patients, but also on other parts of the health and care system, especially at the primary care and secondary care interface
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Government response AI summary
The government states NHS England has concluded an evaluation of digital tools in primary care and will publish guidance on best practice, including reducing bureaucracy at the primary/secondary care interface and the use of remote consultations, partially addressing the recommendation to look beyond primary care.
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Department of Health and Social Care
5
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Acknowledged
Managed well, we see enormous potential for a beefed-up version of 111 to regulate the demands on emergency departments and ensure that patients get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. However, we acknowledge concerns that without sufficient clinical validation these objectives cannot be met. Without …
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Managed well, we see enormous potential for a beefed-up version of 111 to regulate the demands on emergency departments and ensure that patients get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. However, we acknowledge concerns that without sufficient clinical validation these objectives cannot be met. Without robust evidence from the evaluation of the pilot so far, we cannot judge its success Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic 35 or suggest improvements. We are already part of the way through a challenging winter—if findings are not available soon, NHS England risks missing opportunities to improve services at this crucial time.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that NHS England is evaluating the NHS 111 First service and a final report assessing its impact on emergency departments and patient outcomes will be published in due course.
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Department of Health and Social Care
6
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
We therefore recommend that NHS England completes and publishes evaluations of NHS 111 call first services as soon as is practicable, including learning from those evaluations and the implications for any future iterations of the service.
Government response AI summary
The government states that NHS England is currently conducting detailed analysis of the NHS 111 First programme and expects the results to be published in 2023.
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Department of Health and Social Care
7
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
The response to long covid shows both the kind of integrated, patient-centred care the NHS can provide when systems work effectively, and the frustration and detriment experienced by patients who have to “fight” to access to the right care when systems do not work effectively. We heard that long covid …
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The response to long covid shows both the kind of integrated, patient-centred care the NHS can provide when systems work effectively, and the frustration and detriment experienced by patients who have to “fight” to access to the right care when systems do not work effectively. We heard that long covid provided an opportunity to develop truly integrated services, and that care—although variable—was excellent in the best centres. We welcome NHS England’s commitment to provide effective long covid services. However, during our inquiry we heard heart-rending testimony from people who had struggled to access the care they needed, and who did not feel believed or cared for. This is simply not acceptable. We note that NHS England’s current plan for long covid extends to 2022. With covid-19 set to become endemic, NHS England must ensure that its plans to tackle long covid continue. We understand that knowledge of covid-19 and long covid is constantly evolving, and that plans will therefore need to adapt over time, but we are likely to see increasing numbers of people living with this condition. We cannot afford to let them down.
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Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the importance of supporting long COVID sufferers, detailing existing investment of over £50 million in research and the establishment of over 90 specialist multidisciplinary clinics across the country to provide care.
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Department of Health and Social Care
8
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Deferred
We therefore recommend that NHS England publishes, before the end of this financial year, a long covid plan covering the period until 2023. The plan must be developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including patient groups. NHS England should integrate this into its wider health and care …
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We therefore recommend that NHS England publishes, before the end of this financial year, a long covid plan covering the period until 2023. The plan must be developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including patient groups. NHS England should integrate this into its wider health and care recovery plan, as long covid is likely to have implications for demand and workforce across a range of services.
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Government response AI summary
The government states NHS England included long COVID commitments in a March 2022 plan and is currently refreshing its long COVID strategy in consultation with stakeholders to determine next steps, but does not commit to the specific plan or deadline requested.
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Department of Health and Social Care
9
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
It is not acceptable for patients awaiting planned treatment or feeling the debilitating effects of long covid to feel “abandoned” by the NHS. We appreciate the uncertainty about the length of future waiting lists, but this is no excuse for lack of communication—whether this be confirmation of a patient’s next …
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It is not acceptable for patients awaiting planned treatment or feeling the debilitating effects of long covid to feel “abandoned” by the NHS. We appreciate the uncertainty about the length of future waiting lists, but this is no excuse for lack of communication—whether this be confirmation of a patient’s next round of treatment or simply a conversation to assure them that they have not been forgotten. We heard that waiting lists are not static, that conditions can worsen, and that active management is recommended. A commitment to keeping in touch would not just benefit individual patients, but also help local systems actively to manage their lists and inform decisions about prioritisation.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of patient communication, stating NHS England has already published guidance for providers on effective communication and is actively working to improve waiting list management.
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Department of Health and Social Care
10
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Acknowledged
The national health and care recovery plan must set out a clear vision for what ‘success’ in tackling the backlog will look like, and what patients can expect their care to look like in their local area in the coming years. The plan must include minimum expectations for ICBs in …
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The national health and care recovery plan must set out a clear vision for what ‘success’ in tackling the backlog will look like, and what patients can expect their care to look like in their local area in the coming years. The plan must include minimum expectations for ICBs in managing waiting lists actively and communicating with patients awaiting planned care. The Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and local ICBs must share responsibility for communicating the ‘offer’ to the wider public, considering the “social backlog” facing many members of the public. We request the Department of Health and Social Care to report back to us on how this will be delivered. (Paragraph 66) 36 Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of setting a clear vision for success and patient communication, stating NHS England is responsible for this and is working on effective patient communication and waiting list management.
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Department of Health and Social Care
11
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
Lastly, we heard that patient involvement in services was important to tackle long covid. It should also be taking place in other areas. We have previously called for the Care Quality Commission’s assessments of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to include consultation with patient groups and patient outcomes, and we continue …
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Lastly, we heard that patient involvement in services was important to tackle long covid. It should also be taking place in other areas. We have previously called for the Care Quality Commission’s assessments of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to include consultation with patient groups and patient outcomes, and we continue to believe in the importance of this.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the principle of patient involvement, stating that the Care Quality Commission’s assessments of Integrated Care Systems already include consultation with patient groups and patient outcomes.
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Department of Health and Social Care
12
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
We again recommend that the Care Quality Commission includes consultation with patient groups and details of patient outcomes in its assessment of ICSs. (Paragraph 68) Funding and policies to tackle the backlog
Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of patient involvement and states that the CQC's assessments of ICSs already include consultation with patient groups and patient outcomes.
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Department of Health and Social Care
13
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
The pandemic has had a negative impact on health inequalities and highlighted the crucial importance of effective public health services in supporting local populations. Public health services are therefore vital allies in tackling the backlog, and we are surprised at the decision merely to maintain current public health grant funding …
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The pandemic has had a negative impact on health inequalities and highlighted the crucial importance of effective public health services in supporting local populations. Public health services are therefore vital allies in tackling the backlog, and we are surprised at the decision merely to maintain current public health grant funding levels.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of public health services and states that public health grant funding levels have been increased by £340 million in 2022/23 to £3.47 billion.
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Department of Health and Social Care
14
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted in Part
As part of its national health and care recovery plan, we recommend that the Government sets out the contribution that public health services will make, and ensures that this contribution is backed with a level of funding that acknowledges their crucial role.
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As part of its national health and care recovery plan, we recommend that the Government sets out the contribution that public health services will make, and ensures that this contribution is backed with a level of funding that acknowledges their crucial role.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the vital role of public health services and states that funding levels have been increased by £340 million in 2022/23 to £3.47 billion, but does not explicitly commit to setting out their contribution within a national recovery plan.
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Department of Health and Social Care
15
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
We note that the Government decided to resist an amendment to the Health and Care Bill that would have required it to publish independently verified assessment of health, social care and public health workforce numbers at least once every two years, leaving a gap between its rhetoric about supporting frontline …
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We note that the Government decided to resist an amendment to the Health and Care Bill that would have required it to publish independently verified assessment of health, social care and public health workforce numbers at least once every two years, leaving a gap between its rhetoric about supporting frontline staff and the biggest single long-term measure that would relieve that pressure. Without an independent forecast of future workforce needs, it remains impossible for anyone to know whether enough doctors, nurses or care staff are being trained. We still believe that giving an assurance to NHS staff that the appropriate number of new staff will be trained in the future is the biggest single long-term measure the Government can take to gain the confidence of frontline staff that it has a grip of this problem. Unless it can do that, the risk is that generous taxpayer-funded settlements for services or capital are wasted.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of workforce assessments and states that it already publishes independently verified assessments of workforce numbers at least once every two years, and will continue this practice.
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Department of Health and Social Care
16
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted in Part
We repeat our recommendation that HEE must be required (whether in its own right or as part of NHS England) to publish objective, transparent and independently-audited annual reports on workforce projections that cover the next five, ten and twenty years, including an assessment of whether sufficient numbers of staff are …
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We repeat our recommendation that HEE must be required (whether in its own right or as part of NHS England) to publish objective, transparent and independently-audited annual reports on workforce projections that cover the next five, ten and twenty years, including an assessment of whether sufficient numbers of staff are being trained. These projections must cover social care as well as the NHS given the close links between the two systems. We urge NHS England to ensure that workforce planning is included in any future iterations of the elective recovery plan.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted in principle, stating it already publishes independently verified workforce assessments at least every two years (not annually as recommended), covering health, social care, and public health. It also affirmed that DHSC works with NHS England to incorporate workforce planning into all NHS …
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Department of Health and Social Care
17
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the Government undertake an urgent review of short-term recruitment and retention issues within the health and care workforce, including productivity improvements, sharing of best practice through data, removal of professional demarcation, use of technology, additional training places and additional immigration measures. This should be published before the …
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We recommend that the Government undertake an urgent review of short-term recruitment and retention issues within the health and care workforce, including productivity improvements, sharing of best practice through data, removal of professional demarcation, use of technology, additional training places and additional immigration measures. This should be published before the arrival of the funding due in early 2022. (Paragraph 94) Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic 37
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted in principle the need to address recruitment and retention issues, stating NHS England will publish a refreshed People Plan for 2022/23 as soon as practicable to address these, including productivity improvements, technology use, and training.
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Department of Health and Social Care
18
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Deferred
Investing resource in our health and care workforce will ultimately save money— for example through reduced locum and agency fees over time—and help build a better, safer health service. It will also give hope to staff—who are feeling increasing desperate and who face yet more challenges on top of those …
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Investing resource in our health and care workforce will ultimately save money— for example through reduced locum and agency fees over time—and help build a better, safer health service. It will also give hope to staff—who are feeling increasing desperate and who face yet more challenges on top of those posed by the early phases of the pandemic.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of investing in the workforce and states that NHS England’s Long Term Workforce Plan, due in Spring 2023, will detail actions for recruitment, retention, and reform.
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Department of Health and Social Care
19
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
We call on NHS England to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to staff wellbeing by publishing a refreshed People Plan to cover the financial year 2022/23 as soon as is practicable.
Government response AI summary
The government states that NHS England is committed to staff wellbeing and will publish a refreshed People Plan for 2022/23 as soon as practicable, outlining support for wellbeing and addressing workforce shortages.
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Department of Health and Social Care
20
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Acknowledged
An NHS running too ‘hot’ for patients to move from crowded emergency departments into wards cannot provide safe, efficient or effective care in the long- term. Furthermore, the advent of ICSs offers an opportunity to provide patients with more integrated care so that they can leave hospital promptly once medically …
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An NHS running too ‘hot’ for patients to move from crowded emergency departments into wards cannot provide safe, efficient or effective care in the long- term. Furthermore, the advent of ICSs offers an opportunity to provide patients with more integrated care so that they can leave hospital promptly once medically fit.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted in principle the committee's conclusion that an NHS running 'too hot' impacts care and that ICSs offer opportunities for integrated care, committing generally to support the NHS.
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Department of Health and Social Care
21
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
As part of its broader health and care recovery plan, the Government must produce an independently-verified analysis of how many, and what type, of extra beds the NHS needs in order to provide safe and effective everyday care for patients, whilst also responding to need directly created by the pandemic. …
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As part of its broader health and care recovery plan, the Government must produce an independently-verified analysis of how many, and what type, of extra beds the NHS needs in order to provide safe and effective everyday care for patients, whilst also responding to need directly created by the pandemic. This plan must be accompanied by sustainable, long-term plans to tackle delayed discharges.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted in principle, stating NHS England is working to produce an independently-verified analysis of the NHS's bed needs and will accompany this with sustainable, long-term plans to tackle delayed discharges.
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Department of Health and Social Care
22
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Deferred
We welcome the £2.3bn pledged in the Spending Review to create around 100 new community diagnostic hubs, but we are yet to see detailed plans for their implementation.
Government response AI summary
The government noted the committee's welcome of funding for new diagnostic hubs and stated that detailed implementation plans will be set out in due course.
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Department of Health and Social Care
23
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
Ahead of the arrival of the new funding from the Spending Review in Spring 2022, we recommend that Government provides more details on the 100 new community diagnostic hubs, including where they will be placed, who will staff them and how they will contribute to service improvement within and beyond …
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Ahead of the arrival of the new funding from the Spending Review in Spring 2022, we recommend that Government provides more details on the 100 new community diagnostic hubs, including where they will be placed, who will staff them and how they will contribute to service improvement within and beyond the covid-19 landscape.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that over 90 community diagnostic centres are now open, providing various services based on local need to support earlier diagnosis and treatment, making services more convenient and accessible.
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Department of Health and Social Care
24
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
Access to care should not be dependent on where you live in the country. Regional and national co-ordination will be necessary to ensure that strategies aimed at tackling the backlog do not have the unintended consequence of increasing health inequalities.
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Access to care should not be dependent on where you live in the country. Regional and national co-ordination will be necessary to ensure that strategies aimed at tackling the backlog do not have the unintended consequence of increasing health inequalities.
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Government response AI summary
The government states the Elective Recovery Taskforce is already working to adopt innovative solutions and foster collaboration across the country to ensure equitable access to care and prevent increased health inequalities from backlog strategies.
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Department of Health and Social Care
25
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Acknowledged
We recommend that NHS England, together with ICBs and the new Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), work together to deliver regional and national coordination as the system tackles the backlog in elective care. If the independent sector is to prove an effective partner in tackling that backlog, the …
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We recommend that NHS England, together with ICBs and the new Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), work together to deliver regional and national coordination as the system tackles the backlog in elective care. If the independent sector is to prove an effective partner in tackling that backlog, the Government must ensure that plans take into account people living in those areas with less access to independent care. The goal must be equity of access to care on waiting lists regardless of geographic location.
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Government response AI summary
The government stated the Elective Recovery Taskforce is working to ensure innovative solutions provide equitable access to care across the country, including promoting collaboration and patient travel for faster treatment.
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Department of Health and Social Care
26
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
We have heard much about how a robust social care system that can support hospital discharges and free up capacity is essential to clear the backlog. We welcome the inclusion of the social care workforce in the refreshed Framework 15. Social care, however, did not receive an adequate settlement in …
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We have heard much about how a robust social care system that can support hospital discharges and free up capacity is essential to clear the backlog. We welcome the inclusion of the social care workforce in the refreshed Framework 15. Social care, however, did not receive an adequate settlement in the spending review, with the £5.4 billion over three years falling well short of the £7 billion annual increase we have previously recommended. Even after the spending review period, there 38 Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic is no guarantee of additional funding from the Health and Social Care Levy, so we remain very concerned that social care will remain the poor relation. Without the right support for social care, a recovery plan for the NHS is doomed to failure.
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Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the importance of social care and commits up to £7.5 billion over the next two years, including £5.4 billion from the Health and Social Care Levy and £500 million for hospital discharge.
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Department of Health and Social Care
27
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Not Addressed
In light of the Government’s commitment to reform social care, we again recommend that it publishes a ten-year plan for social care, setting out how it in detail how it will tackle the structural and financial problems the sector faces in the short-term, and operationalise its longer-term ambitions. The Government …
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In light of the Government’s commitment to reform social care, we again recommend that it publishes a ten-year plan for social care, setting out how it in detail how it will tackle the structural and financial problems the sector faces in the short-term, and operationalise its longer-term ambitions. The Government must also acknowledge the needs and wellbeing of staff working in the social care sector by publishing a People Plan for social care, aligned to the ambitions set out in the NHS People Plan.
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Government response AI summary
The government detailed £7.5 billion in funding for adult social care and discharge, including for workforce pressures, but did not address the recommendation to publish a ten-year social care plan or a social care People Plan.
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Department of Health and Social Care
28
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted in Part
To encourage better integration and mutual understanding across health and social care, we again recommend that a duty is placed on ICSs so that where a decision by an ICS affects carers and the social care sector, the ICS must undertake a formal consultation with the groups and sectors affected.
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To encourage better integration and mutual understanding across health and social care, we again recommend that a duty is placed on ICSs so that where a decision by an ICS affects carers and the social care sector, the ICS must undertake a formal consultation with the groups and sectors affected.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on integration's importance, noting the Health and Care Act 2022 places a duty on ICBs to promote integration and that statutory guidance will clarify expectations for wide engagement, including with carers, without committing to a specific formal consultation duty.
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Department of Health and Social Care
29
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
There is enormous potential for technology to support a transformation in NHS care that will bring benefits for patients and staff alike. However, this potential will not be realised while many providers still struggle with basic IT infrastructure. The Wade-Gery report calls for a roadmap for the delivery of its …
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There is enormous potential for technology to support a transformation in NHS care that will bring benefits for patients and staff alike. However, this potential will not be realised while many providers still struggle with basic IT infrastructure. The Wade-Gery report calls for a roadmap for the delivery of its recommendations.
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Government response AI summary
The government commits to publishing a roadmap in response to the Wade-Gery report in Autumn 2022, detailing how data, digital, and technology will transform the NHS and support IT infrastructure improvements.
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Department of Health and Social Care
30
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
NHS England must produce its roadmap in response to the Wade-Gery report on Putting data, digital and tech at the heart of transforming the NHS at the earliest opportunity so that we and others are able to scrutinise it ahead of implementation.
Government response AI summary
The government commits to publishing a roadmap in response to the Wade-Gery report in Autumn 2022, outlining how data, digital, and technology will transform the NHS and improve IT infrastructure.
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Department of Health and Social Care
31
Conclusion
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
The upcoming national introduction of ICBs provides the opportunity for local integration and innovation. This opportunity must not be wasted, particularly in the context of the backlog. There must be clear incentives for ICBs to deliver integrated and innovative care, with ICSs held accountable for the care they deliver.
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The upcoming national introduction of ICBs provides the opportunity for local integration and innovation. This opportunity must not be wasted, particularly in the context of the backlog. There must be clear incentives for ICBs to deliver integrated and innovative care, with ICSs held accountable for the care they deliver.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of ICBs delivering integrated and innovative care with accountability, stating that the Health and Care Act 2022 places relevant duties on ICBs, and NHS England will publish guidance on ICB assessment to ensure incentives.
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Department of Health and Social Care
32
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Deferred
We have previously recommended that Care Quality Commission ratings include an assessment of the progress ICBs make on the integration of information technology between primary care, secondary care, and the social care sector. We repeat this recommendation here. Although the CQC is an independent body, we believe that including the …
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We have previously recommended that Care Quality Commission ratings include an assessment of the progress ICBs make on the integration of information technology between primary care, secondary care, and the social care sector. We repeat this recommendation here. Although the CQC is an independent body, we believe that including the delivery of integrated care and the effective use of technology within the domains it inspects would encourage further progress on integration.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of integrated care but states that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent body responsible for determining its ratings. It commits to working with CQC to ensure they are aware of the importance of integrated care and effective …
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Department of Health and Social Care
33
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
We recommend the Government creates a platform to share examples of good practice and innovation at ICB level so that lessons can be learnt, and practices adapted in ways that reflect the health needs of local areas. Without this, the risk of regional inequalities in waiting lists and postcode lotteries …
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We recommend the Government creates a platform to share examples of good practice and innovation at ICB level so that lessons can be learnt, and practices adapted in ways that reflect the health needs of local areas. Without this, the risk of regional inequalities in waiting lists and postcode lotteries will continue.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating NHS England is currently developing a platform to share good practice and innovation at ICB level, which is set to launch in Autumn 2022.
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Department of Health and Social Care
34
Recommendation
Ninth report - Clearing the backlog cau…
Accepted
We again recommend that a duty be placed on ICBs for them to have regard to mental health and public health. (Paragraph 128) Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic 39
Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, noting that the Health and Care Act 2022 already places a duty on ICBs to reduce health inequalities and promote integration, which covers having regard to mental health and public health.
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Department of Health and Social Care