Cervical Screening story, April 2019

14^th April, 2019

Cervical screening returning to NHS after “appalling failure” when privatised

IMG source: https://www.stockvault.net/photo/129087/stethoscope (CC0)

The NHS will begin a take over of the contract, previously outsourced to private health firm Capita, after the health service had “not been satisfied” with the firm’s handling of the contract.

In a letter to NHS chief executive Simon Stevens, the British Medical Association expressed their “extreme concern” about how Capita had been handling cervical screenings – following their mishandling of the screenings resulting in over 48,000 women not receiving the results for their tests.

Stevens announced the contract’s move back to the NHS last March, due to a planned change to the software used for screenings.

“We do not have confidence in Capita to undertake that transition and that is why we have determined that, together with NHS digital, we will take that in house.” Said Stevens to a Public Accounts Committee.

Reception of this news has been positive, with many welcoming its return to the NHS.

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

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

Responding to Mr Stevens, a spokeswoman for Capita said:

“Returning administrative support of the cervical screening programme in England in-house is consistent with the approach in all other national screening programmes and will enable better integration across those programs.

“We support NHS England’s decision as part of its broader review of screening services, and we will work together to ensure a seamless transition.”

The handover of the contract is due to begin in June, and is planned to be completed by 2020.