NHS Test and Trace 2020-09-01
2020-09-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The effectiveness of NHS Test and Trace has been questioned, and there are discussions about devolving responsibilities.
Cheadle residents welcome the release of intervention measures and appreciate the role test and trace played in getting rates low. To continue this trend, will the Secretary of State consider devolving testing to local authorities like Stockport which has a high success rate?
My hon. Friend's community in Stockport played an important role in success, acknowledging both national and local efforts. Integration between a national system that can move fast at scale and a local system with boots on the ground is critical.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Discussion on the effectiveness of private companies versus local public health teams in contact tracing efforts during a pandemic.
The call-centre system run by Serco has managed to contact only 60% of people's contacts, while Regional Public Health England teams have been working flat out for seven months and are tracing more than 95% of the cases. Does the Secretary of State really think that threatening job security with a reorganisation is wise during a pandemic?
When trying to reach scale fast, we use the national system that then engages with the local system; it is the combination of both that works best. Regarding making improvements to how things operate going forward, constant seeking for better performance is necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy