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Dept of Social Security

Answer

Mr. Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many medical examination reports were graded A, B and C in each of the last three years in each of the three Sema contract areas; and if he will make a statement. [153573] Mr. Bayley: Medical Services conduct a national programme of audit on a random selection of cases. This yields results that are statistically significant by contract area, at benefit level and on a quarterly basis. Viewed across all areas of work carried out by Medical Services, an analysis of this audit shows the following results: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Grade Contract area A B C September 1998 to August 1999 North 78.8 14.0 7.4 South West 82.6 12.1 5.4 South East 78.4 16.9 4.8 September 1999 to August 2000 North 78.0 15.6 6.4 South West 81.6 12.5 7.0 South East 74.2 19.6 6.3 September 2000 to February 2001 North 77.9 15.2 6.9 South West 83.6 10.7 5.7 South East 80.0 13.9 5.3 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Note: Figures may not add up to 100 per cent. because of rounding up or down to one decimal place. It should be noted that during 1999, Medical Services were refining their quality audit system, and as a result applied more stringent quality criteria. This is a factor in any apparent deterioration in performance between 1998-99 and 1999-2000.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

153573; 365 c342-3W

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Disability Medical examinations Social security benefits Standards Sema Group

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk