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Written question asked by Geraint Davies (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 February 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 February 2022 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Monday, 7 February 2022. A substantive answer was provided by Edward Argar (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 February 2022 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Biochemistry: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an estimate of how many NHS clinical biochemists could be paid for using the funding from the covid surge deal, announced on 10 January 2022.

Answer

The arrangements between NHS England and independent sector providers are not expected to result in significant additional spending above normal Quarter 4 levels and can be funded from existing budgets. Therefore, there is no effect on Barnett consequentials. As there is no new funding for these short-term, 12-week contracts, this could not pay for additional healthcare professionals. The arrangements allow for the continuing delivery of elective care for National Health Service patients in England and the provision of ‘surge’ capacity to assist NHS hospitals in England with the impact of the Omicron variant, where required. Local NHS systems, in coordination with regional and national teams, will be responsible for these arrangements to effectively meet local needs. Due to this flexibility, we are unable to estimate how many people will be treated through these arrangements.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116827
Session
2021-22
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Finance Health professions NHS Biochemistry Coronavirus
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk