NHS consultants are being forced to complete ‘tick box’ training that ‘an eight-year-old could complete’ while patients languish on waiting lists, MPs have heard.
NHS leaders have been told why staff should undertake mandatory training in times of crisis, such as on computer and fire safety.
Dr Caroline Johnson, an MP who was health secretary during Liz Truss’s short term as minister, said she had to complete 29 compulsory training programs – some of them annually.
At yesterday’s meeting of the House of Commons Health Committee, the consultant pediatrician questioned whether it was a good use of her time when the waiting list stood at 7.7 million.
NHS consultants are being forced to undertake training ‘an eight-year-old can do’ as patients languish on waiting lists, MPs have heard (stock photo)
She explains: “We’re asked, ‘What should you do if you receive a phishing email?'” Do you choose the right option: reply, open attachments, forward to your colleagues, or follow your organization’s procedures ?
“Another question we received: ‘It’s important to lock your computer or mobile device when you’re not using it, true or false?’ There are consultants who offer this training. I read it to my eight-year-old and he was able to answer it.”
Other examples include videos of gasoline being poured into a campfire and whether defibrillator pads placed on the stomach were “in the right place.”
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, medical director of NHS England, said there was clearly a “need to strike a balance”, adding: “We can debate the quality of the questions and the way they are asked, but I don’t believe anyone would disagree.” that cyber security is one of the biggest risks we face in the NHS and of course wider public bodies.
A pediatrician wondered if it was a good use of her time as the waiting list reached 7.7 million (stock image)
“That’s why I think it’s perfectly legitimate to ensure that employees are aware of some of the risks associated with cyber security and I think it’s right that it’s part of the mandatory training.”
Meanwhile, NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said the waiting list would have fallen significantly had it not been for a series of strikes by medics. More than a million patient appointments have been postponed due to industrial action.
Ms Pritchard added: “It’s the patients who are suffering.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
