NHS cervical cancer screening back in-house


The NHS is bringing the administration of its cervical screening programme back in-house following blunders by the private sector group Capita, the firm that holds the contract for the service as part of its contract to deliver primary care.


On 20 March, NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens told a hearing of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee into failings with adult health screening programmes that action was being taken because NHS England “have not been satisfied” with Capita’s performance. This included late notification by Capita of delays in sending out cervical test invitation, reminder, and results letters.


He said that, starting from June, the cervical screening service would be returned to the NHS, with a phased transition through the rest of the year.


Sara Gorton, head of health at public services union UNISON, said: “We’re pleased to see the service returning to the NHS, but it should not have been privatised in the first place.


“It can be difficult enough to encourage young women to be tested and that becomes even harder when they have no confidence in the results due to this appalling failure.


“This was about saving money, yet extra cash had to be found to clear up the mistakes.


“Screening services are already under considerable pressure. Although good sense has prevailed, there must be a smooth handover process and staff need reassurance about their future.”


https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.l1347.full