Capita under fire over NHS Pensions problems

23rd October 2020 by NASGP

Capita under fire over NHS Pensions problems

Doctors are despairing over pension and primary care support shortcomings, the Financial Times’s FT Adviser reports.

The BMA has accused Capita, the company responsible for Primary Care Support England, of making a number of mistakes, including processing errors, incorrect payments or records, and incorrect employer contribution deductions.

In particular, the BMA highlighted the problem of late NHS Pensions payments to GP locums. 

The grassroots organisation GP Survival has campaigned for years on behalf of what it describes as ‘dozens of cases’. 

The NASGP fully supports the BMA and GP Survival’s activism, and urges NASGP members to get in touch (either with the NASGP, or either of the campaigning organisations) if they have experienced problems of their own with NHS Pensions. 

A Capita spokesperson told FT Adviser: “Historically, it has been challenging for GPs to submit the correct information, and we would receive forms that were filled in incorrectly or with data missing. 

“PCSE will always work with GPs to correct these issues and help get their records complete.”

Dr Richard Fieldhouse said: “The NASGP has itself taken a proactive approach to solve this issue going forwards by developing a sophisticated IT system, LocumDeck, for our members, and free to practices, that allows locums to keep meticulous pension records and copies of relevant forms. 

“In LocumDeck, pensions are calculated and completed automatically during invoicing, and are then stored online and downloadable for easy future reference. This has already helped supporting members access historical information in cases where paperwork has been lost.” 

Find out more about LocumDeck.

"I made the transition into GP locum working at the beginning of 2022. Without the support of LocumDeck, I would have struggled to get it all organised. Ali and her team were extremely supportive and patient with me; they explained how to use it, made it flexible for my needs and allayed all fears regarding various invoicing issues.

The ongoing support is also fantastic with educational webinars, NASGP Locum Chambers meetings and a quick response to any queries. I would recommend it to anyone starting out as a GP locum. It takes away the administrative stress and allows you to focus on clinical work."

Dr Himanka Rana, GP, Isle of Wight

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