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Health Services: Southend West
06 July 2022
Lead MP
Anna Firth
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSEmployment
Other Contributors: 1
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
Nigel Evans
Con
North Wiltshire
Expressed relief at seeing the Minister respond given recent events.
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.