Capita’s performance questioned in Parliament
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- Published: Monday, 30 January 2017 07:40
- Written by News Editor
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Capita's performance in processing dental performer list applications for newly qualified dentists has been questioned in both the Commons and Lords. Ministers in both Houses gave similar answers, which gave a little more information, but not much.
Andrew Selous Conservative, South West Bedfordshire asked the Health Secretary what assessment he had made of Capita's performance in processing dental performer list applications for newly qualified dentists; and if he will make a statement.
Junior Minister David Mowat replied that Capita had made NHS England aware of a number of issues involving the National Dental Performers List process. Immediate action had been taken to put in place plans to recover the services.
Justin Madders, Shadow Health Minister ask the Health Secretart what the average processing time was for a performer number to be provided to a dentist in each of the last 24 months for which figures are available.
Junior Minister David Mowat replied that NHS England was responsible for the National Dental Performers list and currently does not hold information centrally on how many applications have been received from individuals wishing to join the National Dental Performers list. Information on the length of time to process applications is therefore currently not available.
In the Lords, retired dentist, Lord Colwyn asked what assessment the Government had made of the current length of time dentists applying to join the National Dental Performers List have to wait to have their application processed by Capita.
Lord O'Shaughnessy the junior minister in the Lords replied that NHS England was responsible for the National Dental Performers list and currently do not hold information centrally on how many applications have been received from individuals wishing to join the National Dental Performers list. Information on the length of time to process applications is therefore currently not available.
Lord Colwyn further asked what action the Government were taking to help resolve any issues Capita is experiencing managing the process of applications to the National Dental Performers List.
Lord O'Shaughnessy replied that Capita had made NHS England aware of a number of issues involving the National Dental Performers List process. Immediate action has been taken to put in place plans to recover the services, and NHS England has provided a team of experts to support Capita’s work, both in managing existing functions more effectively and improving the service for the future.
The actions Capita are taking to stabilise and recover the service included:
- Recruiting additional staff and developing staff knowledge through further training and development supported by external experts;
- Standardising the processes used and work tracking tools;
- More proactive communication to applicants regarding the progress of their application; and
- Developing the internal integrated work management system to enable Performers List work to be tracked and work-flowed through the process.
NHS England is meeting with Capita on a weekly basis to oversee the delivery of these plans and to ensure the right improvements are in place and the junior minister Nicola Blackwood MP will continue to work with Capita and NHS England to ensure that services are restored to an acceptable and sustainable standard.
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