Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Patient Choice

25 May 2023 · 17 other contributors

Opened by Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Steve Barclay raised concerns about patient choice in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister announced measures to reduce NHS waiting times through improved patient choice.
  • There are over 7.3 million people on the NHS waiting list, with 80% waiting for outpatient appointments and 20% for operations.
  • The Government plans to use the NHS App to allow patients to choose from a shortlist of five providers suggested by GPs.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Steve Barclay

The Minister announced a series of measures aimed at reducing NHS waiting times through improved patient choice. There are currently over 7.3 million people on the NHS waiting list, with around 80% waiting for outpatient appointments and 20% awaiting operations. The Government plans to empower patients by using technology such as the NHS App, where GPs will make a shortlist of five providers from which patients can choose. Patients who have waited more than 40 weeks or those without a treatment date after receiving a decision-to-treat letter may transfer to another provider with a shorter waiting list. The Government also aims to raise public awareness and improve transparency by merging the 'My Planned Care' platform with the NHS website, making real-time information on hospital performance available to patients. These measures are intended to help cut NHS waiting lists while empowering patients.

Other contributors (17)
  • Barry Gardiner Lab Brent North

    Question

    Will the Minister confirm that under no circumstances can patients be forced to go outside their local region for NHS treatment?

    Minister reply

    The minister clarified that while there is an option for patients to choose a provider outside their local area, it would not force them to do so and such choices should always meet NHS standards.

  • Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen

    Question

    Does the Minister recognise that there is no evidence of better outcomes or shorter waiting times for patients who exercise their right to choose a provider?

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged some concerns but emphasised that analysis from the Patients Association suggests improved patient choice can reduce waiting times by up to three months. The Government’s measures aim to drive up standards and improve transparency.

  • Nigel Adams Con Selby and Ainsty

    Question

    How will the NHS App be promoted, given that 30 million people have already signed up?

    Minister reply

    The minister explained that a national campaign would increase public awareness of patient choice, targeting those most likely to benefit from it. GPs and others who refer patients for consultant-led care would also be supported with training and technology.

  • Sarah Owen PC Ynys Mon

    Question

    How will the Government ensure that Welsh health boards do not face an increase in workload if English patients choose Welsh providers?

    Minister reply

    The minister assured that all decisions would be made to ensure capacity is used effectively and fairly, ensuring no single area bears disproportionate pressure.

  • Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North

    Question

    Criticises the Health Secretary’s statement as a watering-down of existing measures and highlights that patients already have the right to choose an alternative provider after waiting too long. He also criticises the government's handling of NHS strikes and asks for clarification on the NHS workforce plan.

    Minister reply

    The Minister argues that Labour does not provide patient choice in Wales, comparing the situation there unfavorably with England’s current policy. He also mentions that only 10% of patients currently exercise their right to choose an alternative provider.

  • Steve Brine Con Southampton Test

    Question

    Asks how referral management centres will be compelled to facilitate patient choice and inquires about the specifics for those already registered with a trust.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirms that referral management centres are part of the system, aiming to roll out 40-week waits from October and bring wait times down to 18 weeks. The emphasis is on empowering patients through better data, transparency, and technology.

  • Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall and Bloxwich

    Question

    Offers condolences for Karen Lumley and asks how patient choice will be facilitated without addressing the workforce issue. She also questions when the government will speak to junior doctors.

    Minister reply

    The Minister states that patient choice is available now, with massive variation within the system despite the existing workforce. The commitment to produce a workforce plan remains, but patients are empowered by transparency and technology.

  • Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

    Question

    Welcomes the revolution in patient choice and asks if patients will be able to choose centres offering unique treatments.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirms that patients will be able to choose according to various factors such as previous treatment, CQC ratings, performance metrics, or convenience of travel.

  • Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans

    Question

    The key to unlocking millions of people from the NHS backlog is tackling the crisis in the workforce. Why are we spending parliamentary time talking about the NHS app instead of the workforce?

    Minister reply

    We are discussing wider workforce issues, and patient choice will enable better use of independent sector capacity free at the point of access.

  • Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle

    Question

    Will the Minister join me to meet Jane Ingham, CEO of national clinic audit programme commissioner, to hear her insights on tackling variation in NHS services?

    Minister reply

    I am happy to pay tribute to Jane Ingham for her 10 years of service and would be keen to engage with her on lessons learned.

  • Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea

    Question

    The Secretary of State’s words on patient choice will ring hollow until he addresses the NHS workforce crisis. Where is his plan for addressing eye health and ophthalmology deficits?

    Minister reply

    Numbers have been increasing, with 37,000 more doctors and 52,000 more nurses in primary care than in 2010, and a manifesto commitment on additional roles has already been delivered.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Question

    Can we promote real choice by adopting patient passport and tax relief for private health insurance?

    Minister reply

    Tax is a matter for the Chancellor, but I understand the point about promoting choice through these measures.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    What discussions and practical assistance can be offered to help people with eating disorders in Northern Ireland?

    Minister reply

    Increasing funding for mental health, including £2.3 billion a year, and looking at digital apps and earlier intervention through school-based support teams.

  • Kit Malthouse Con North West Hampshire

    Question

    Does the provision of greater patient choice stimulate investment in private sector capacity for volume procedures?

    Minister reply

    We are considering how to use the private sector at scale and pace, compliant with Treasury rules, and ensuring free access to NHS patients.

  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

    Question

    Can you confirm that this expansion will be available first to those who have been waiting longest?

    Minister reply

    From October, we will roll out the programme for those waiting more than 40 weeks, focusing on the longest waits.

  • Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup

    Question

    How can we improve patient choice and outcomes in south-east London through Queen Mary’s Hospital?

    Minister reply

    We are incentivising trusts to take on more patients, accelerating the diagnostic centres programme, and I am happy to discuss further with him.

Shadow Comment

Wes Streeting

The Shadow Secretary of State criticised the Government's measures as a watering down of existing rights and questioned their effectiveness given the current high number of people on NHS waiting lists. He highlighted that waiting times were already at record highs before the pandemic and pointed out the Health Secretary’s inability to prevent strikes, which have affected over half a million appointments. Streeting also called for the Government to address workforce shortages through plans such as doubling medical school places and training more doctors and nurses.

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