07.03.13
Performance data changed 252 times at Serco
Private provider Serco falsified performance data to meet NHS targets, it has emerged.
Two members of staff made 252 unauthorised changes to performance data between January and June 2012. This led to performance being “overstated” in seven instances, a Serco audit found.
The NAO has published a memorandum on the provision of out-of-hours GP services in Cornwall, addressing concerns from whistleblowers and the Public Accounts Committee, who had identified that Serco was unable to fill shifts with appropriately qualified staff.
Serco and the primary care trust have since taken steps to improve clinical staffing levels, as well as strengthening internal controls aimed at preventing or detecting data changes, the NAO reported.
The NAO report recommends that the primary care trust and the clinical commissioning group should consider whether to specify in the contract minimum staffing levels for a safe service.
Serco's Cornwall manager, Dr Louis Warren, said: “The NAO report has not only substantiated what the CQC has already shown – that the service is safe and well regarded by patients – but also confirms that we have taken decisive action.
“The only outstanding minor issue noted was that we need to increase the number of health advisers; our recruitment campaign will have this resolved by the end of March.”
He added: “The service is always staffed appropriately to meet demand.”
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