Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 23
23
It is in this context that NHS England has started to plan for a reduction...
Conclusion
It is in this context that NHS England has started to plan for a reduction in vaccine sites and staffing in 2022. Its strategy responds to the likely drop in the overall scale of the vaccination effort, but it is not yet clear how it will strike the right balance between maintaining high levels of vaccination uptake, increasing efficiency, and ensuring that demands on healthcare staff are sustainable. In February 2022, NHS England set out next steps for local areas as they planned their contribution to the programme up to March
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3: PAC conclusion: NHS England has started planning for a reduction in vaccine sites and staffing for the rest of 2022 in anticipation of lower overall demand, but it is not yet clear how its strategy will strike the right balance between maintaining high levels of vaccination uptake and ensuring that demands on healthcare staff are sustainable. 3a: PAC recommendation: By the end of October 2022, NHS England should write to the Committee with the results of its assurance of local plans – particularly with regard to whether these provide an efficient and effective basis for the programme to achieve its aims, while safeguarding staff welfare and aligning with other demands on the NHS. It should also set out any further central actions it will take to address areas of deficiency in the plans. 3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 3.2 NHSE working through its regional and system teams will review and assure local COVID-19 vaccination plans throughout the summer and autumn of 2022 against optimal delivery as outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). 3.3 NHSE with regional and system partners is working to develop plans for the remainder of 2022 that determine the appropriate site and provider model composition. This will ensure appropriate capacity and service provision are in place aligned with JCVI advice, whilst recognising the wider demands on healthcare staff. 3.4 NHSE wrote to the Committee on 31 October 2022 to provide an update to the Committee on the outcome of assurance of local plans.