Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 200
200
Not Addressed
The failure of the test and trace system to rise to meet even the most...
Recommendation
The failure of the test and trace system to rise to meet even the most predictable of demands in Autumn 2020, especially given many weeks to prepare, suggests that lessons that were learnable during the pandemic were not applied. An urgent priority for the Government must be to satisfy itself that there is now a dependable organisation for covid testing that can both anticipate and meet future demands. The role of Test and Trace in autumn lockdowns
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states it accepts the recommendation but primarily details its past efforts during the pandemic to provide accessible health advice and testing services to diverse communities, rather than committing to a dependable future organisation for testing capacity and demand.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The government accepts this recommendation. UKHSA is committed to providing accessible health advice which recognises the different cultural contexts in different communities. During the pandemic the government has: ● Made the NHS COVID-19 App accessible to those with language and disability requirements. ● Provided accessible services to those without internet access via 119. ● Ensured those with visual or hearing impairments can access testing via the Be-My-Eyes app and British Sign Language (BSL) services through 119. ● Provided verbal translation services in more than 200 languages via 119. ● Translated guidance in a range of languages; for example, all COVID-19 vaccination programme guidance, including leaflets, posters, and social media assets, were made available in 27 languages. ● Ensured vaccine information is accessible, for example by providing versions in Braille, BSL, videos, and large print. Easy read resources are also available for individuals with low literacy or a learning disability. ● Provided online access to easy read PCR self-testing instructions in English and 12 other languages, including Welsh. ● Worked through local and trusted services and community leaders by training up ‘Community Champions’ to disseminate advice, counter misinformation and ensure testing sites are placed in communities at higher risk. ● Organised monthly webinars for community organisations as well as faith and voluntary sector leaders to share information and provide access to resources. As the government plans for the future, it will ensure that lessons learned during the pandemic are built on to ensure that in any future emergency as many people as possible are reached.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗