We reported in November 2013 on a letter sent by NHS England to its Area Teams, to be forwarded to all GPs. (See "Eliminating 084 numbers from GPs in England - 2013/4")
The letter confirmed the overdue need to swiftly comply with the terms of the NHS/GP contract by ceasing use of 084 telephone numbers - a requirement which should have been met by 1 April 2011. It also required advice of the date by which compliance would be achieved.
Despite the fact that 12 months was granted for this work to be done initially (from 1 April 2010 to 1 April 2011), it should only take a few weeks, at the most.
The letter confirmed the overdue need to swiftly comply with the terms of the NHS/GP contract by ceasing use of 084 telephone numbers - a requirement which should have been met by 1 April 2011. It also required advice of the date by which compliance would be achieved.
Despite the fact that 12 months was granted for this work to be done initially (from 1 April 2010 to 1 April 2011), it should only take a few weeks, at the most.
In February 2014 we advised that the work of achieving compliance had not been completed and suggested actions that may have helped to avoid GPs entering their 5th year in breach of contract - on 1 April 2014. (See "NHS GPs in England set to enter 5th year in breach of contract - THIS MUST BE STOPPED".)
We are therefore disappointed to have to report the problem as remaining un-addressed.
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The number of found cases has fallen from 440 to 419, but this would be fully explained by those who reach the end of an arrangement not renewing. The NHS contractual requirement clearly demanded a switch of number within an arrangement - a possibility explicitly confirmed as being available within the text of the November 2013 letter.
It may also be noted that NHS England has failed to advise the position regarding the timetable for compliance - as demanded to be provided to the Area Teams.
We believe that the fundamental principles of the NHS warrant support and clear enforcement action. We continue to assist NHS England by drawing attention to the issue and have offered such further assistance as may be valuable.
It may also be noted that NHS England has failed to advise the position regarding the timetable for compliance - as demanded to be provided to the Area Teams.
We believe that the fundamental principles of the NHS warrant support and clear enforcement action. We continue to assist NHS England by drawing attention to the issue and have offered such further assistance as may be valuable.
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