Second Report - Delivering core NHS and care services during the pandemic and beyond

The government acknowledges the pandemic's impact on dental services and is working to increase service levels, noting updated guidance allows reduced room resting time. They are also exploring future use of Point of Care testing to increase patient throughput, but this is in early stages.

The government is confident in a consistent PPE supply for winter, citing 32 billion items on order and a 4-month strategic stockpile. They are committed to addressing fitting difficulties by understanding user needs and incorporating feedback, especially for face masks.

The government acknowledges the committee's gratitude to Professor Whitty and reiterates its intention to use the SIREN study to inform the frequency and circumstances of NHS staff coronavirus testing.

The government recognizes the Committee's concerns regarding routine asymptomatic testing of NHS staff and acknowledges its importance as a protective measure for staff, patients, and visitors from COVID-19 infection.

The government recognises the committee's concerns and acknowledges that routine asymptomatic testing is an important component of protecting NHS staff and patients, but does not commit to introducing it rapidly or expanding capacity as recommended.

The government acknowledges the need to mitigate the psychological impact of pressures on staff and to increase workforce supply and improve retention, promising to provide further details on these efforts in another section of the letter.

The government acknowledges the importance of mitigating psychological pressures and continuing to increase workforce supply and retention, stating that measures have been outlined and promising further details in another section of the letter, but does not commit to setting out a specific plan to the committee by the requested deadline.

The government acknowledges the committee's comments by outlining its approach to eradicating racism and discrimination, which aligns with legal definitions from the Equalities Act 2010 and Race Relations Act 1976, stating that its work in this area is multi-faceted.

The government aligns its definition of racism and discrimination with the Race Relations Act 1976 and Equalities Act 2010, confirming their approach to addressing the issues of discrimination faced by BAME NHS staff.

The government welcomes support for the ‘111 dial first’ scheme and states that pilots are being monitored and evaluated to inform wider rollout, but does not provide the requested update or specific plans for A&E departments.

The government welcomes the committee's support for technological innovation and is committed to supporting wider technology deployment, but does not address the call for a comprehensive assessment of digital exclusion risks or methods to bring forward successful innovations.

The government agrees that independent sector capacity will be needed and states it has secured this capacity through agreements to ensure the NHS can meet patient demand.