NHS Urgent and Emergency Care 2024-10-15
2024-10-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The NHS is facing challenges with A&E wait times, as highlighted by Lord Darzi's report. The latest data shows that one in 10 patients spend over 12 hours in A&E.
What assessment has the Department made of the effectiveness of urgent and emergency care services?
Lord Darzi's independent report highlights that urgent and emergency care services are struggling, with recent data showing 10% of patients spending over 12 hours in A&E. The government is committed to improving service standards through its 10-year health service reform plan.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or commitments to improve the current state of urgent and emergency care services beyond acknowledging the problem and referencing a long-term plan.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Victoria hospital in Deal lost blood testing services in September 2021, leading to a local campaign. The restoration of these services is stalled in the tendering process.
After a long campaign by residents, it was agreed that the blood testing provision at Victoria Hospital would return. However, this has stalled in the tendering process. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can move this forward?
I commend my hon. Friend for championing this issue on behalf of his constituents and understand that he has raised it with the chief executive officer of his local trust. While commissioning decisions are a matter for Kent and Medway ICB, I am very happy to meet him to discuss further.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific commitment or timeline regarding moving forward with the restoration of blood testing services beyond expressing willingness to meet.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are often over 20 ambulances queuing outside Treliske hospital, impacting patient expectations. The urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital is seen as a potential solution.
Will the Minister look at the potential for urgent treatment centres to relieve pressure on emergency departments? Specifically, will she support re-establishing the 24/7 urgent treatment centre in Penzance?
We will maintain ambulance capacity throughout this winter. The local ICB needs to look at which model fits best, particularly in rural areas, to reduce pressure on frontline A&E services. Alternative models are being considered but decisions lie with the local integrated care board.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific commitment regarding urgent treatment centres or supporting their establishment beyond acknowledging alternatives need consideration.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Intermediate care can reduce rough sleeping by around 70% and significantly decrease A&E visits and emergency admissions. However, its availability is inconsistent across England.
What measures exist currently to ensure the NICE approach to intermediate care for people facing homelessness is embedded in every integrated care system?
Homelessness has risen, and addressing it under Labour previously moved people off the streets with support in the community. Good examples exist nationwide; we aim to reduce homelessness by supporting health services at their front end.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or commitments regarding embedding the NICE approach across all integrated care systems.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Representatives from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine stated that inadequate social care leads to more presentations at emergency departments.
Does the Minister agree that properly funded social care would reduce pressure on hospitals?
What we see at A&E is a result of system-wide issues. Our 10-year plan will examine patient pathways to provide community-based care and prevention, including looking at social care funding.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to any specific measures regarding the impact of social care funding on hospital pressure beyond acknowledging a long-term review.
Response accuracy