Asked by: Jackie Doyle-Price (Conservative - Thurrock)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he is having with representatives of the pharmacy sector to ensure preparedness for the 2020 flu season; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jo Churchill - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
There have been discussions with community pharmacy organisations to consider how the influenza vaccination service can be best delivered, as well as local flu delivery board conversations between commissioners and pharmacy providers. These are ongoing with the aim of maintaining and improving the uptake of the influenza vaccine across primary care.
The final agreed service requirements will be published during the summer, in preparation for the flu season. Discussions between NHS England and NHS Improvement and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee are also ongoing to update the Community Pharmacy Seasonal Influenza Advanced Service for the 2020/21 flu season. This includes our preparation on COVID-19.
Asked by: Jackie Doyle-Price (Conservative - Thurrock)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the gender pay gap in the NHS; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Helen Whately - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The gender pay gap in the health and social care sector, according to the Office for National Statistics, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings for 2019 is 17.7%.
A review examining the extent and causes of the gender pay gap in medicine has been completed and will be published in due course. Chaired by Professor Dame Jane Dacre, the review has identified 47 recommendations which will impact on both the gender pay gap in medicine and across the wider National Health Service workforce.
The Government Equalities Office has published evidence-based guidance on practical actions employers can take to close the gap, alongside help to develop action plans. We expect all NHS employers to have a clear action plan in place to address their gender pay gap.