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Elective Care Recovery in England
07 February 2022
Lead MP
Edward Argar
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Edward Argar raised concerns about elective care recovery in england 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
The covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the NHS, leading to a backlog of around 6 million patients awaiting care. This figure is expected to worsen before it improves. Additionally, an estimated 8.5 million people who would typically seek treatment during this period have not done so due to the pandemic. The Government plans to invest over £8 billion in the NHS from 2022-23 to 2024-25 as part of the health and social care levy. A call for evidence was launched to inform an ambitious vision for cancer care, with targets set for a 75% diagnosis or exclusion rate within 28 days post-GP referral and returning the backlog of patients waiting over two months for cancer treatment to pre-pandemic levels by March 2023. The NHS has also introduced My Planned Care, an online platform offering timely information about planned treatments.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
The Labour MP criticises the Government's failure to release an NHS recovery plan as scheduled and highlights the existing issue with waiting times, which has worsened due to the pandemic. He questions the reason behind the delay in publishing the plan and mentions that the Chancellor might be playing political games while 6 million people wait for care. The MP also criticises the announced targets related to cancer diagnosis, suggesting they are already existing and unmet targets.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the backlog due to pandemic measures and infection prevention but defends the delay in releasing the recovery plan as necessary due to the omicron variant's impact on health services. He emphasises that HM Treasury has shown strong support with record funding levels, and highlights pre-pandemic funding increases and the health and care levy.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West and Shoreham
Question
Suggests using the term 'planned care' instead of 'elective', notes past Labour policy on elective care restrictions, expresses gratitude for NHS staff.
Minister reply
Agrees to use more simple language like 'planned care', acknowledges NHS staff's work throughout pandemic and beyond.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Question
Expresses concern over delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment, notes that 90,000 women missed target for specialist referral and half a million people will wait longer than two weeks to see an oncologist.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of timely cancer care but highlights NHS's ability to maintain high levels of cancer treatment during pandemic.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Question
Inquires about reasons for delay in NHS recovery plan.
Minister reply
Explains that the plan is being developed carefully with other Departments to ensure it will effectively address the issues.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
Highlights importance of radiotherapy investment in tackling cancer backlog.
Minister reply
Acknowledges value of radiotherapy and agrees to meet to discuss further.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
Asks how the record level of investment will ensure reduction in cancer treatment backlog.
Minister reply
Outlines measures such as community diagnostic hubs to improve access to care.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Question
Asks how primary care will be supported while patients wait for secondary care.
Minister reply
Expresses gratitude to general practitioners and outlines additional funding for recovery from pandemic changes.
Question
Highlights higher waiting lists in Labour-controlled Wales, suggests Opposition's focus should be on Welsh Labour colleagues.
Minister reply
Notes the issue of high waiting lists in Wales and criticises Welsh Government for lack of plan.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Question
Asks to abandon 'war on cancer' language, questions how Prime Minister intends to reach 75% stage 1 or 2 diagnoses target.
Minister reply
Agrees to review language use and outlines measures such as investment in diagnostics to improve performance.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
Urges prioritisation of catch-up programme for NHS services, asks about value for money.
Minister reply
Explains delay due to omicron variant impact and emphasises importance of delivering effective outcomes.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
These waiting times are misery, pain, frustration and agony for my constituents, and then there is the mental anguish of not knowing what is happening or going to happen. I have constituents who are begging and borrowing money to go private because they cannot stand the pain. Is that the Minister’s plan for the NHS: driving people into the private sector? If it is not, what is his plan?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady raises valid points about the impact of waiting times on patients' health outcomes and mental anguish. The minister acknowledges significant strides in setting out approaches to ramp up planned surgeries through community diagnostic hubs and surgical hubs. He also emphasises the importance of supporting NHS staff who have been working hard during the pandemic.
Question
I thank my hon. Friend for his work on this matter. He will know that in order to tackle waiting lists, our NHS staff need the very best buildings and equipment. We have seen some fantastic investment in Scunthorpe General Hospital, but will he meet me to discuss our plans for a longer-term investment in and upgrade to the hospital?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to meet Holly Mumby-Croft to further discuss plans for long-term investment and upgrades at Scunthorpe General Hospital.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
If we are going to deal with this backlog, we need to deal with vacancies in the NHS. That means we do not have time to wait for doctors and nurses to be trained; we need qualified staff now. Can the Minister say where he is going to get those staff? Is he looking abroad? Where is he going to find them?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman raises a serious point about the workforce shortage in the NHS. The minister reassures that they are on target to meet their 50,000 nurses pledge from the 2019 manifesto and have seen thousands more doctors and nurses in the NHS compared with previous years.
Question
There is no question but that the waiting list is impacting on my constituents’ quality of life, but I fail to see how taking £36 billion out of the system would help. Can I ask my hon. Friend to look further upstream and tell me how the very welcome 10-year cancer plan announced on Friday will improve our health and prevent more complex future interventions? Will he confirm that the 28-day cancer standard, which does sound familiar—I left office three years ago next month—is a maximum, not a target?
Minister reply
The Minister highlights the importance of early diagnosis in cancer treatment and confirms that while targets are set, they aim to exceed them. He acknowledges the challenging times due to the pandemic but assures investment and reforms to achieve these targets.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
I start by thanking all the NHS workers, who have done a tremendous job throughout the pandemic. My mum has been waiting for shoulder replacement surgery for more than two years, and the delay in this plan means that she will live with excruciating pain. Can the Minister give us assurances that this backlog will be dealt with in a timely fashion, and that that work will be adequately resourced and funded?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges constituents’ distress due to long waiting times and emphasises ongoing efforts to reduce these lists through record investment in resources, community diagnostic hubs, and surgical hubs. He also highlights the importance of keeping patients informed and supported.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
How much greater would the backlog be if we had not successfully resisted the entreaties of those modellers, and indeed politicians, who wanted another shutdown over the Christmas period?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges that necessary measures during the pandemic inevitably impacted waiting lists. However, he finds it difficult to provide a detailed counterfactual analysis.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
My mother died prematurely of lung cancer in her early sixties, so I know, as many others in this House do, that when it comes to cancer, waiting times do not just inconvenience; they literally mean the difference between life and death. I agree with the Minister that this is about not just investment but outcomes, and it is purely on outcomes that this Government are failing. Does he agree that the briefings from his Department suggesting the political games at the top of the Conservative party—“Who’s up, who’s down, who’s going to be the next leader?”—are influencing and impacting on the Government’s ability to get this plan out, and that that will not be forgiven by those people who are waiting for cancer treatment right now?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges personal experiences shared by MPs regarding cancer treatment delays. He emphasises the focus on clinical prioritisation and dismisses concerns about political influence affecting the Government's ability to implement their plan.
Question
Does the Minister agree that there must be an important role in this programme for smaller hospitals such as St Cross in Rugby, where on a recent visit I saw some brand new operating theatres providing important extra local capacity?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with Mark Pawsey's point about utilising resources and capacity of the whole NHS system, including smaller hospitals like St Cross in Rugby.
Question
Long delays in diagnosis and inappropriate and sometimes outdated treatment are typical for those living with the condition ME. As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on ME, I was pleased to see the new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines on treatment of the condition. Can the Minister detail what steps are being taken to implement those and to ensure speedy diagnosis and appropriate treatment?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges Carol Monaghan's important point about ME and NICE guidelines, highlighting ongoing work with NHS England to ensure early diagnosis and treatment for patients.
Peter Bone
Con
Wellingborough
Question
The MP notes a personal experience with liver cancer and highlights the need for the NHS to focus on best practices rather than relying solely on Government plans. He also mentions the importance of cutting red tape in NHS construction projects, such as one needed in Kettering.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of practical improvements over theoretical planning and confirms ongoing efforts to improve NHS service levels post-pandemic. However, he emphasises the need for a long-term strategic approach given the significant financial implications and patient impact.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
The MP raises concerns about waiting lists for joint replacements, citing figures and constituents' experiences. She asks if the Minister has met with Versus Arthritis regarding these issues.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of orthopaedic surgery for quality of life and confirms a planned meeting with Versus Arthritis to discuss their work and ideas.
Alun Cairns
Con
Vale of Clwyd
Question
The MP expresses disappointment in the shadow team's response, highlighting higher waiting times in Wales compared to England.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the point about higher waiting lists in Wales and suggests that the shadow Secretary of State should question their colleague in the Welsh Government regarding their plan.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
The MP raises concerns about a 77% increase in children needing mental health care for suicidal thoughts and self-harm. She requests that children’s mental health be prioritised alongside urgent operations.
Minister reply
The Minister assures the hon. Member of his long-standing interest in child mental health issues, including eating disorders, and reiterates the Government's commitment to addressing these concerns.
Henry Smith
Con
Epsom and Ewell
Question
The MP welcomes the funding for rapid-diagnostic centres and asks if blood cancer diagnosis will be a key part of this plan.
Minister reply
The Minister reassures the hon. Friend that blood cancer diagnosis and treatment will not be neglected in the context of the overall diagnostic approach.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
The MP criticises thresholds within the elective recovery fund that negatively affected hospitals battling the pandemic. She seeks a fairer distribution of funding in future plans.
Minister reply
The Minister assures the hon. Lady that NHS England and Improvement are working to ensure all trusts receive necessary resources for tackling waiting lists.
Jacob Young
Con
North Dorset
Question
The MP suggests fixing Labour’s PFI deals as a way to direct more money towards frontline services. He asks the Minister to meet him and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to address PFI issues.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to meet the hon. Friend, recognising the financial challenges trusts face due to previous PFI deals.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
The MP thanks the Minister for his commitment and asks about discussions between devolved Assemblies and the UK Government to prevent healthcare becoming a postcode lottery.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms regular meetings with Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann, acknowledging the need for all regions to work together on recovery issues.
Tom Hunt
Lab
Ipswich
Question
The MP acknowledges increased waiting lists due to the pandemic and the Government's plan. He requests a meeting with the Minister to discuss how Ipswich residents can benefit from future hospital developments.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees to meet the hon. Friend, confirming his support for ensuring Ipswich and Colchester residents have access to best facilities.
Selaine Saxby
Con
Torridge and West Devon
Question
The MP asks if community diagnostic hubs will speed up referral processes in coastal communities with poor health outcomes.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that the purpose of these hubs is to make it easier for people, especially those in rural or seaside areas, to access necessary diagnostics and treatments.
Duncan Baker
Con
North Norfolk
Question
The MP asks about an urgent treatment centre at Cromer Hospital to benefit older residents.
Minister reply
The Minister is cautious but willing to meet the hon. Member to discuss ideas for local services and facilities, acknowledging that Members best know their communities' needs.
Question
I draw the Minister’s attention to an exciting new proposal for a model surgical hub in the east midlands, which would tackle the backlog by focusing solely on elective surgery. The plan is being developed by surgeons in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, including my constituent Dr Tony Westbrook. Will the Minister join me in welcoming this innovative plan and thanking everyone involved in drawing it up? Will he join me in calling on regional health authorities to give it serious consideration?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an important point. What we have seen throughout this pandemic, and we continue to see it now as we look to tackle the waiting lists, is people across the health and care system innovating and coming up with exciting new ideas and new ways to achieve the outcomes that we desire. I will certainly look into the specifics that she talks about, and I congratulate all those involved on their willingness to innovate and come up with new ways of doing things.
Question
I welcome today’s statement, and I take this opportunity to thank all those healthcare workers who have worked on the frontline throughout the pandemic, particularly nurses, who have worked so hard to keep services operating. I am therefore reassured that we have seen a 21% increase in nursing applications in the past year alone. Will my hon. Friend confirm first that that will help us meet our manifesto commitment to recruit 50,000 extra nurses, but, more importantly, that it will help make their lives easier by reducing their workload somewhat?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right on a number of counts: first, to pay tribute to the work of nurses up and down the country during this pandemic; and, to highlight the significant progress we have made on the trajectory to meeting our 50,000 nurses manifesto commitment. The reason we made that commitment is exactly as he says: we know we need more nurses in the NHS, and we are committed to recruiting them, which will have a positive impact on all those already in our NHS as they are joined by many newly qualified professionals to help share that load.
Question
Blackpool was one of the first areas to receive additional funding to tackle the NHS covid backlog, and this funding is already making a difference on the ground for my constituents. When further moneys are allocated, will the Minister commit to prioritising those areas, such as Blackpool, that have some of the worst health outcomes in the entire country?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is a strong champion and a strong local voice for Blackpool in this House. We are clear in this Government that in the investment decisions we make, we are committed to making sure that we level up across this country and that that money goes to where it can make the greatest difference in improving outcomes for all patients and all those who use our NHS.
Shadow Comment
Wes Streeting
Shadow Comment
The Labour Party criticises the Government's handling of NHS waiting lists and delays in releasing a recovery plan. Before the pandemic, NHS waiting lists were already at a record high of 4.5 million, which has now risen to over 6 million. More than 1 million people are currently awaiting diagnostic scans and tests for cancer. Labour questions whether the Chancellor's reluctance is behind the delay in publishing the plan. The shadow Secretary also expresses concern over announced targets that replicate existing unmet goals, suggesting a lowering of standards due to consistent failures.
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