Health Inequalities 2024-04-23
2024-04-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Professor Sir Michael Marmot's report highlighted that political choices led to 1 million people living shorter lives than they should between 2011 and 2019, with the pandemic further exacerbating these inequalities.
In January, Professor Sir Michael Marmot published “Health Inequalities, Lives Cut Short”, confirming that due to political choices from 2011-2019, 1 million people in England lived shorter lives. These lives cut short are matched by shorter lives in good health. Does the Secretary of State believe in evidence-based health and accept the overwhelming evidence showing current levels of ill health reflect escalating poverty and service cuts, including to the NHS?
No, I do not. I would point to legislation brought forward last week as the largest public health reform aimed at helping constituents facing inequalities. Smoking rates are disproportionately higher in poorer communities, leading us to introduce landmark legislation.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific evidence and its implications were not directly addressed; only a reference was made to new legislation without detailing how it addresses the issue.
Dismissive Of Evidence
Introduced New Topic
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Breast Cancer Now is campaigning to improve breast cancer screening, especially among minority ethnic women.
Will the Secretary of State support Breast Cancer Now's campaign for improving breast cancer screening uptake, particularly in minority ethnic communities?
Agrees on prioritising women's health and announced £50 million research into maternity disparities for women of colour. Also responded to calls for lobular breast cancer research, addressing 15% of diagnoses without adequate evidence.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly support the campaign or address screening rates specifically; instead highlighted other initiatives.
Changed Subject
Introduced New Topic
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Inner city residents of the Bradford district have a life expectancy up to 20 years less than those living in more affluent parts, due to underinvestment and cuts.
Someone living in inner-city Bradford is likely to live 20 years less than those in affluent areas. This reflects 14 years of underinvestment in NHS and community services. Will the Secretary of State admit that the Government does not care about people from places like Bradford?
Levelling up is about addressing education, housing, and other environmental factors impacting health. The Government will draw together a cross-Government strategy for major conditions to help people live healthier lives.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific failure or lack of care towards Bradford; changed topic entirely.
Changed Subject
General Principles
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Proposed NHS plans to close St Peter's Hospital in Maldon would worsen health inequalities. Levelling-up funding could facilitate investment in localised health services.
Does the Secretary of State agree that levelling-up funding should be prioritised for new health services in areas like Maldon, to tackle existing health inequalities?
Encourages prioritising local needs with the levelling-up fund, allowing decisions by local agencies and councils to include health improvements as an integral part of mission to better constituents' lives.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly support use of funds for specific new services or address hospital closure; instead promoted flexibility of funding approach.
Introduced Procedural Context
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Labour increased life expectancy by three years; under current government, it has stalled for the first time in a century. People in Blackpool face four and a half fewer years of life than average.
Is the Secretary State proud of the shocking record that people in Blackpool are expected to live 4.5 years less than the national average under this Government, compared to Labour's three-year increase?
Proud of background but points out Conservative efforts in Lancashire for communities like Blackpool. Criticizes the poor NHS waiting times record in Labour-run Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address own government's performance; instead attacked opposition's record.
Attacking Opponent
Changing Topic
Response accuracy