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A& E Departments: Staffing
23 March 2020
Lead MP
Chris Bryant
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSEmploymentForeign AffairsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Chris Bryant raised concerns about a& e departments: staffing 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
Chris Bryant highlighted the critical importance of A&E departments in saving lives and dealing with emergencies, emphasising the need for strong leadership, resources, and training. He noted a shortage of consultants across the UK, particularly affecting his local hospital, and called for recruitment to address this issue. Concerns were raised about bed shortages, especially in rural areas with older populations. The MP praised staff efforts during the pandemic but also expressed concern over difficult decisions they may face regarding ventilator allocation. He thanked A&E staff for their hard work and urged support for them through this challenging period.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Complimented Chris Bryant on the debate, focusing on the need to protect NHS workers with PPE and testing.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Welcomed the birth of a baby delivered by A&E staff in home conditions as an example of their dedication.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Stressed the need to protect A&E staff from violent attacks and ensure they have protective gear, CCTV, and police presence.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Bow
Highlighted the urgent need for guaranteed accommodation and food supplies for NHS staff along with PPE.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Suggested ensuring food deliveries to key workers' workplaces during long shifts.
Government Response
Minister Helen Whately acknowledged the NHS's challenges and thanked staff for their efforts. She noted a call-out to retired healthcare professionals, with over 1900 doctors and nurses responding positively. The Minister assured that PPE distribution is improving, addressing specific queries about standardization of equipment and availability to local authorities. Testing capabilities were highlighted as being ramped up from 5500 daily tests towards 25,000 by the end of April. Financial support for staff through occupational health services and psychological/emotional support was detailed. She also emphasised the provision of accommodation and educational facilities for key workers' children to ease their burden. Pre-COVID commitments on increasing NHS workforce were reiterated with a focus on medical schools and nursing positions.
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Assessment & feedback
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