Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Health Services: Southend West

06 July 2022 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Anna Firth Con Southend West

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Anna Firth raised concerns about health services: southend west in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP thanked Mr Speaker and highlighted healthcare improvements in Southend West
  • Significant challenges noted including overcrowded A&E, ambulance delays, GP shortages
  • Minister acknowledged challenges and outlined initiatives for improvement including additional funding

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Anna Firth Con Southend West

The MP thanked Mr Speaker for the debate and highlighted her priority of improving healthcare in Southend West. She praised local NHS workers but noted significant challenges including overcrowded A&E, ambulance delays, issues with the 111 service, and GP appointment shortages. The hospital requires £118 million for reconfiguration to alleviate space constraints; she called for approval of enabling funds (£8.4m) promised in Parliament since 2017. She also asked for a review of unnecessary auto-dispatched ambulances and measures to recruit more doctors and increase GP appointments.

Other contributors (1)
  • Nigel Evans Con North Wiltshire

    Expressed relief at seeing the Minister respond given recent events.

Government Response

Edward Argar

The Minister congratulated Anna Firth on her advocacy for Southend West's healthcare. He acknowledged challenges due to the pandemic but outlined initiatives including improved ambulance handovers, use of cohorting areas in hospitals, increased call handler recruitment, and additional funding (£150 million) for improving response times. Regarding auto-dispatched ambulances via NHS 111, he stated that calls are clinically reviewed before dispatching ambulances. The Minister committed to reviewing specific issues raised by Firth regarding unnecessary auto-dispatches. He also highlighted efforts to expand GP capacity with £520 million investment and record GP trainee numbers in training for direct patient care.

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