Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

A& E Departments: Staffing

23 March 2020 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chris Bryant raised concerns about a& e departments: staffing in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Chris Bryant highlighted the critical need for adequate staffing, resources, and training in A&E departments to save lives and manage emergencies.
  • Bryant noted a significant shortage of consultants across the UK, affecting his local hospital, and called for measures to recruit more staff.
  • The Minister acknowledged the NHS's challenges and thanked staff for their efforts, noting over 1900 retired healthcare professionals had responded positively to a call for support.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

Chris Bryant highlighted the critical importance of A&E departments in saving lives and dealing with emergencies, emphasising the need for strong leadership, resources, and training. He noted a shortage of consultants across the UK, particularly affecting his local hospital, and called for recruitment to address this issue. Concerns were raised about bed shortages, especially in rural areas with older populations. The MP praised staff efforts during the pandemic but also expressed concern over difficult decisions they may face regarding ventilator allocation. He thanked A&E staff for their hard work and urged support for them through this challenging period.

Other contributors (5)
  • Kevin Brennan Lab Cardiff West

    Complimented Chris Bryant on the debate, focusing on the need to protect NHS workers with PPE and testing.

  • Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge and Malling

    Welcomed the birth of a baby delivered by A&E staff in home conditions as an example of their dedication.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Stressed the need to protect A&E staff from violent attacks and ensure they have protective gear, CCTV, and police presence.

  • Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Bow

    Highlighted the urgent need for guaranteed accommodation and food supplies for NHS staff along with PPE.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Suggested ensuring food deliveries to key workers' workplaces during long shifts.

Government Response

Helen Whately

Minister Helen Whately acknowledged the NHS's challenges and thanked staff for their efforts. She noted a call-out to retired healthcare professionals, with over 1900 doctors and nurses responding positively. The Minister assured that PPE distribution is improving, addressing specific queries about standardization of equipment and availability to local authorities. Testing capabilities were highlighted as being ramped up from 5500 daily tests towards 25,000 by the end of April. Financial support for staff through occupational health services and psychological/emotional support was detailed. She also emphasised the provision of accommodation and educational facilities for key workers' children to ease their burden. Pre-COVID commitments on increasing NHS workforce were reiterated with a focus on medical schools and nursing positions.

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