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NHS
23 May 2024
Lead MP
Victoria Atkins
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEducationTaxationEmploymentMental Health
Other Contributors: 32
At a Glance
Victoria Atkins raised concerns about nhs in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Victoria Atkins, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, made a statement on the NHS's progress. She paid tribute to Craig Mackinlay and assured victims of the infected blood scandal that their claims would continue despite the upcoming election. The statement highlighted achievements such as delivering 50 million more GP appointments per year, launching the Pharmacy First programme, reducing NHS waiting lists by over 200,000 since September, committing to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030 with six currently open and two expected soon, and launching a recovery plan for dentistry. Additionally, she announced plans to expand fracture liaison services for osteoporosis sufferers by 2030 and introduce a ban on puberty blockers except in limited circumstances. She also discussed prevention strategies including embedding prevention within NHS structures, making the NHS app accessible for booking vaccinations, gathering evidence on ultra-processed foods' health impacts, and ensuring more nurses and dental appointments.
Kieran Mullan
Lab
Bury South
Question
Dr Mullan asked about extending dental care eligibility to people under 18. What is the Government’s response?
Minister reply
The Minister responded that they are committed to improving children's dental health, including those in disadvantaged groups and young carers, but did not specify an extension of eligibility for those under 18.
Robin Walker
Con
Eddisbury
Question
Mr Walker praised the Minister’s work on women’s health hubs and asked about their success rate. Is there a plan to expand them?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that they are looking at expanding women's health hubs across England based on their current success.
Katy Bourne
LD
Eastbourne
Question
Miss Katy Bourne asked about the progress of the Government’s hospital programme and its impact on local services.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that six new hospitals are open, two more will be completed soon, and 18 others are under construction. She said the programme aims to improve local health services.
Graham Brady
Con
Altrincham and Sale West
Question
Mr Brady asked about the NHS app’s role in prevention efforts and its functionality.
Minister reply
The Minister explained that the NHS app will facilitate booking vaccinations for 16 preventable diseases by 2026, supporting both preventive care and treatment.
Central Ayrshire
Question
Dr Whitford questioned the Minister about dental appointments in Scotland and asked if there was a plan to address this issue.
Minister reply
The Minister said that they are working on improving NHS dentistry, including emergency dental care in rural areas.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
Let me start with a few points of genuine consensus...
Minister reply
I know that the hon. Gentleman has spent a lot of time in recent days studying that infamous pledge card... He does not understand—[Interruption.] Forgive me, he is chuntering at me, and he needs to go away and read the Gender Recognition Act 2004...
Question
Record funding, a long-term workforce plan finally in place and serious investment at last from the Chancellor on health tech in the spring Budget...
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend not just for his question, which was excellent as always, but for his long record in the House, particularly in the world of healthcare... Through work such as that on using the NHS app as a gateway to prevention...
Diana R. Johnson
Lab Co-op
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
Welcomes the interim payment of £210,000 to those infected under the contaminated blood scandal but criticises the lack of clarity about future payments recommended by Sir Brian and demands immediate psychological support services in England.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the commitment made during her tenure as a Back Bencher; pledges that an independent compensation authority will set up the scheme with assistance from expert panels. Promises to recruit appropriate personnel for sensitive work, aiming to bring these services by the end of summer.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
Question
Thanks the Secretary of State for her interim words and invites her to attend an integrated care centre opening in Worthing. Asks the Secretary of State to encourage NHS England to ensure dentists provide the kinds of service that all constituents want.
Minister reply
Congratulates him on new services; looks forward to attending the opening with him and colleagues. Discusses the dental recovery plan, including immediate actions like switching on the new patient premium and bringing forward golden hellos to encourage dentists into underserved areas.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Expresses dismay over delays in Whipps Cross Hospital redevelopment, highlighting the detrimental impact on patient care. Requests urgent confirmation of funding to start works by 2026.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Walthamstow's struggles; expresses a commitment to delivering the hospital project but does not confirm specific timelines or funding commitments.
Matthew Hancock
Con
West Suffolk
Question
Expresses final tribute to Madam Deputy Speaker, acknowledges the Secretary of State’s achievements in delivering NHS promises and urges her to highlight technology improvements as a key support.
Minister reply
Appreciates his work during the pandemic; highlights significant advancements such as the NHS app usage now exceeding that of Netflix.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Thanks NHS staff for their dedication and expresses concern over current state of services, particularly dentistry. Asks why the Health and Social Care Committee's plan was not adopted in full.
Minister reply
Acknowledges NHS staff contributions; highlights improvements such as quicker cancer diagnoses and shorter waiting times. Defends dental recovery plans which aim to provide 2.5 million more appointments.
Simon Clarke
Con
Newton Abbot
Question
Clarke congratulates the Deputy Speaker on her retirement and highlights the expansion of a local GP surgery in his constituency, seeking six new consulting rooms and space for more GP registrars.
Minister reply
Atkins acknowledges the positive contributions to primary care such as the Garth Surgery in Gisborough. She mentions that 60 million more GP appointments have been made available since 2019, with over a million additional appointments each working day.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Onwurah expresses sadness about the Deputy Speaker's retirement and criticises the Conservative Government for failing on various health measures, urging voters to choose change by voting Labour.
Minister reply
Atkins counters Onwurah’s points by referencing evidence from NHS Wales, stating that waiting times are longer in Labour-run areas. She challenges Labour MPs in Wales to follow their ideas if they believe them to be good.
Conor Burns
Con
Wantage
Question
Burns congratulates the Deputy Speaker and discusses significant NHS investments in Dorset, including new barn theatres and a £250 million investment for BEACH building.
Minister reply
Atkins acknowledges these investments and cites her visit to Dorchester where she saw the development of modern healthcare facilities such as a new A&E unit.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Corbyn questions the reliance on private sector providers in the NHS, highlighting costs associated with PFI contracts and suggesting that expanding the NHS workforce would be more efficient.
Minister reply
Atkins agrees on the failure of Labour’s PFI contracts but emphasises the role of independent sector providers in delivering services efficiently.
Christchurch
Question
Chope raises concerns about victims of vaccine damage and criticises delays in addressing their needs through the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.
Minister reply
Atkins acknowledges Chope’s concerns and promises to look into them, noting that formal consideration will be part of the COVID-19 Inquiry.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
Hayes criticises the Minister's portrayal of NHS performance, citing difficulties in securing timely appointments at GP practices and increased pressure on hospital urgent care centres.
Minister reply
Atkins highlights the delivery of 60 million more GP appointments since 2019. She also mentions initiatives like Pharmacy First to ease pressures on primary care.
Kelly Tolhurst
Con
Rochester and Strood
Question
Tolhurst thanks the Minister for securing extra funding for an MRI scanner in her constituency's community diagnostic centre. She asks about conversations with other departments regarding a second hospital site on the Hoo peninsula.
Minister reply
Atkins acknowledges Tolhurst’s work and expresses willingness to have discussions regarding the use of Government-owned sites for health purposes.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Dame Rosie, in the words of “South Pacific”, if we ain’t got dames, where would we be? In November 2021, Boris Johnson appointed Chris to co-chair a programme board for a national strategy on acquired brain injury. This issue is cross-party and matters greatly; however, despite months passing, there has been no progress due to reasons such as ministerial churn and lack of funding. How can we ensure that regardless of who forms the government later this year, there will be a national strategy for acquired brain injury?
Minister reply
Victoria Atkins thanked Chris Bryant and acknowledged previous cross-party working on similar issues. She noted that detailed discussions may not take place during the current campaign but looked forward to continuing work with him post-election.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Question
Improving access to general practice is crucial. With record funding in the NHS, there are now 50,000 extra nurses and 56% more clinical staff in GP surgeries. Despite this, an ageing society means more pressure on services. What measures are being taken to alleviate pressure?
Minister reply
Victoria Atkins thanked Neil O'Brien for his work as a Health Minister and highlighted the importance of prevention strategies. She noted efforts towards holistic care and reforming NHS to extend healthy life spans.
Chris Webb
Lab
Blackpool South
Question
Many constituents in Blackpool have contacted Chris about lack of NHS dentistry, forcing patients to go to A&E. Will the Secretary of State admit that this Government has failed these people and that only under Labour will access be improved?
Minister reply
Victoria Atkins welcomed Chris Webb to his role and acknowledged the dental issues faced in Blackpool. She discussed efforts like dental vans and new practices through golden hellos, noting recent announcements for dental graduates.
Question
Thanking Victoria Atkins for arranging a visit to Scunthorpe Hospital, Holly raised concerns about services potentially moving to Grimsby. Is she aware of this issue and will work with local stakeholders?
Minister reply
Victoria Atkins acknowledged Holly's career in healthcare campaigning and her efforts regarding Scunthorpe’s CDCs. She pledged support for ensuring that residents have access to the necessary services, working closely with local interests.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
While preparing for an election, there are vulnerable individuals needing critical care from NHS. How will Secretary of State ensure continuity and growth in healthcare during this period?
Minister reply
Victoria Atkins thanked Jim Shannon and highlighted working closely with Health Ministers in Northern Ireland. She noted the importance of respecting devolved matters while aiming to consolidate and grow NHS.
Question
Despite investment, there are still long waits for appointments in Aylesbury due to rapid growth. Innovative ideas such as Pharmacy First and health hubs help but more is needed. Can we have a permanent walk-in health centre? Does my right hon. Friend agree?
Minister reply
Victoria Atkins agreed with Rob Butler's proposal, highlighting the recruitment of over 41,000 doctors since 2010 and 73,000 more nurses to build NHS for future.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
With prevention better than cure, will Victoria Atkins confirm that her Government is doing all they can to ensure the Tobacco and Vapes Bill passes during wash-up? If not, would a Conservative Government act quickly post-election?
Minister reply
Victoria Atkins thanked Caroline Johnson for bringing professional expertise into debate. She noted delicate stage of current bill but pledged commitment to legislation aiming at smoke-free generation.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Buckinghamshire has seen improvements in NHS estate, including a new paediatric A&E and plans for Long Crendon primary care facility and Wycombe Hospital upgrades. Can she confirm that a future Conservative Government will remain on track to deliver these facilities?
Minister reply
Victoria Atkins commended Greg Smith's campaigns and highlighted commitment from the current government towards building necessary NHS facilities.
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for visiting Southend Hospital last month. She knows that, when I was elected, ambulance handover times in Southend were the worst in the region. They are now often the best, and the emergency village is helping thousands of residents. She also helped to launch the first trust-wide fracture liaison service in the UK in Southend, which will save thousands of fractures, millions of pounds and thousands of bed days. Will she join me in congratulating CEO Matthew Hopkins, CEO Andrew Pike and consultant rheumatologist Dr Way Main Wong on this life-transforming service?
Minister reply
May I say how delighted I am to see my hon. Friend back in one piece, given her abseil down the hospital recently, and also say how much I enjoyed seeing the confidence, ambition and professionalism of the new services being provided by her local hospital? I hope that she is pleased that I can confirm today that the Government have the ambition to expand the use of fracture liaison services to every integrated care board in England, achieving 100% coverage by 2030, which is very much inspired by her hospital.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
Since being elected to represent North West Norfolk, I have campaigned, with strong local support, for a new hospital. Can my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary confirm that only this Conservative Government are committed to building a new Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn by 2030, for patients and staff, as part of our fully funded plan?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend, and very much understand and acknowledge his campaigning on this matter. Yes, we want to ensure that his county has the modern hospital facilities that it needs. I note in passing that, in the Norfolk and Norwich trust, this summer, we will see the opening of more surgical capacity precisely to help to deal with some of the waiting lists in his county. This is positive, practical action to secure a bright future for his local NHS.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Question
My right hon. Friend will be aware of the incredible work that the late James Brokenshire MP did for Old Bexley and Sidcup constituents, particularly with Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup. Building on James’s legacy, I have been proud to work with my right hon. Friend’s Department, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and other partners locally to deliver new services for patients in Old Bexley and Sidcup. Will my right hon. Friend join me today in thanking all the teams and all staff at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup? Will she join me in thanking particularly the project team that is working very hard to deliver the new community diagnostics hub, which will open in Old Bexley and Sidcup early next year?
Minister reply
I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in thanking the staff in his local area who support that very important hospital, and I praise the confidence and ambition for his local area through the opening of that community diagnostic centre. He is going to see more constituents being diagnosed and getting treated more quickly because of the investment that this Government have put in to that centre in his constituency. I thank all his staff and particularly the project team.
Question
Dame Rosie, I thank you for your service to this Chamber. Will my right hon. Friend recall the conversations that we have been having about a community diagnostic centre in South Derbyshire, where we do not have one? We do not have a hospital; everybody has to travel. Could I invite her, not only during the next six weeks but after the six weeks—when she is back at that Dispatch Box and I am back here—to visit us and talk to the great teachers, doctors and nurses that want to put this project together?
Minister reply
That is an irresistible invitation, if I may say so, and I will very much look forward to visiting my hon. Friend’s constituency to support her in her campaign for a community diagnostic centre.
Shadow Comment
Wes Streeting
Shadow Comment
Wes Streeting responded critically to Atkins's statement. He agreed with the minister on some points but criticised Conservative policies for damaging the NHS. He highlighted that waiting lists had increased, no new hospitals had been built, and there were issues with dentistry and workforce shortages. Streeting argued that Labour has a plan to address these issues by offering 40,000 extra appointments weekly, doubling scanner numbers, reforming dental contracts, increasing medical school places, and enhancing mental health support. He emphasised that only a Labour government could provide the necessary reforms and investment for the NHS's future.
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