Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

North Tees Hospital

28 October 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Matt Vickers Con Stockton South

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Matt Vickers raised concerns about north tees hospital in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The debate discussed the urgent need for improvements and replacement of North Tees Hospital, serving 400,000 people in a deprived area with significant health inequalities.
  • Vickers called for substantial investment to replace the hospital entirely and advocated for decentralizing healthcare services through initiatives like 'Health on the High Street'.
  • The Minister acknowledged the need for improvement at North Tees Hospital and announced an additional 5.9 billion for healthcare infrastructure improvements.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Matt Vickers Con Stockton South

The debate was held to discuss the urgent need for improvements and a replacement of North Tees Hospital. The hospital, serving a population of 400,000 in one of the most deprived areas in England with significant health inequalities, is over 50 years old and no longer fit for purpose due to its poor condition and outdated design standards. Vickers highlighted the challenges faced by staff and patients, including structural issues, inadequate space, and a backlog in maintenance needs. He called for substantial investment to replace the hospital entirely rather than piecemeal improvements, as well as support for decentralizing healthcare services through initiatives like 'Health on the High Street'. Additionally, he advocated for ending the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) debt burden on hospitals such as James Cook University Hospital.

Other contributors (1)
  • Alex Cunningham Lab Stockton North

    Cunningham thanked Vickers and the Minister for allowing him to contribute. He supported the need for a new hospital, acknowledging health inequalities in his constituency such as high rates of asthma and COPD. He urged immediate action from the Government.

Government Response

Edward Argar

The Minister acknowledged the need for improvement at North Tees Hospital, highlighting ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure through the NHS capital settlement. He announced an additional £5.9 billion to improve care efficiency, including surgical hubs and community diagnostic centres. The Minister stated that a selection process is underway for new hospitals, with North Tees having submitted an expression of interest. He committed to ending PFI schemes for future hospital construction but noted existing trusts should seek help from officials regarding their PFI contracts. Argar emphasised the Government's commitment to levelling up health outcomes and reducing disparities between deprived areas.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy