Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

NHS Hospital Equipment 2024-11-19

2024-11-19

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Tessa Munt Lib Dem
Wells and Mendip Hills
▸ Context
The NHS has been starved of capital investment, lagging 15 years behind the private sector in technology use. The question arises from a review stating fewer scanners per person than comparable countries.
What recent assessment has been made on the adequacy of NHS hospital equipment? The Darzi review highlighted the poor condition of NHS equipment, with fewer scanners and outdated technology compared to other sectors.
Karin Smyth
At the Budget, Chancellor announced £1.5 billion investment in capital funding including AI-enabled scanners to address the backlog caused by outdated technology and insufficient capital investment.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Tessa Munt Lib Dem
Wells and Mendip Hills
▸ Context
£70 million has been allocated for new radiotherapy machines, but many machines will reach their end of life by the end of this year. A consistent programme of maintenance and replacement is needed.
Residents in Somerset and North Somerset recognise £70 million granted for new radiotherapy machines. However, 70 machines will pass their recommended lifetime by the end of this year. Will the Minister meet Radiotherapy UK to discuss a more consistent programme?
Karin Smyth
Officials regularly meet Radiotherapy UK. The Department values its input, and if there are specific incidents, the hon. Lady can highlight them for a response.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Meeting with Radiotherapy UK was not committed to specifically.
If There Are Specific Incidents That The Hon. Lady Wishes To Highlight
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Deirdre Costigan Lab
Ealing Southall
▸ Context
GPs still use pagers and hospitals communicate via fax machines, indicating a need for modernisation. The MP cites a decline under the previous government.
The NHS cannot rely on outdated equipment anymore. After 14 years of decline, will the Minister commit to bringing the NHS into the 21st century?
Karin Smyth
Moving from an analogue to digital system is crucial. The hon. Friend visited colleagues at NHS England offices in Leeds, where they saw work on the app that will ensure the NHS comes into the 21st century.
▸ Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment was given for modernisation beyond stating it as a goal.
The Hon. Friend Lays Bare An Important Issue
Response accuracy