Ninth report - Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 plans and give attention to social care.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 technology use.

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.

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.