Topical Questions 2024-01-23
2024-01-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Women's Health Strategy addresses gaps in research, funding, and care for women-specific conditions. The strategy includes prioritizing menopause and launching a £50 million research challenge to tackle maternity disparities.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities regarding women's health needs which are often overlooked and under-researched. Last year, the Government made menopause a priority, helping almost half a million women get hormone replacement therapy for less than £20 a year. This year, they are building on that work with a women's health hub in every integrated care board area in England, promoting research into conditions such as endometriosis and lobular breast cancer, which affects women differently from men.
Last week we held the women's health summit, at which I announced that we are encouraging research into conditions such as lobular breast cancer. This announcement was made because of two amazing women I met recently who were living with the condition.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific actions or funding details for invasive lobular breast cancer research beyond mentioning encouragement.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is carrying out a health survey of thousands of residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough to gather their experiences and views on the NHS. The results will be shared with local healthcare professionals.
I have been carrying out a health survey of thousands of residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough, to ask them for their experiences and views of the NHS. I will share the results with local healthcare professionals, to support them and their work. When the results are in, will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how they will help inform and shape our local healthcare planning?
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent named Stanley experienced severe abdominal pain, called an ambulance that would take hours to arrive, and was then told to wait on a patio chair outside in 3° weather at the A&E.
Mike Reader, Labour's candidate for Northampton South, shared with me the horrific experience of Stanley, who had severe abdominal pain and called an ambulance, only to be told it would take hours and to go to A&E. There, he was told to wait for assessment on a patio chair outside. It was 3°. Who is to blame?
I am very sorry to hear of the experience of that specific constituent. Because of challenges that the NHS faces, particularly our urgent and emergency care services, almost a year ago we set out our urgent and emergency care recovery plan, to speed up care for people in A&E and reduce waits. That plan is working.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoided addressing the specific blame for the chaotic situation described by the questioner.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Labour Government had achieved the shortest waits and highest patient satisfaction in NHS history, while the Conservatives have delivered the longest waits and lowest patient satisfaction.
That is not a one-off. Why will the Minister not take a shred of responsibility for the chaos that her party has caused our NHS? The last Labour Government achieved the shortest waits and the highest patient satisfaction in NHS history. The Conservatives have delivered the longest waits and the lowest patient satisfaction in history.
Our urgent and emergency care plan is working. It is reducing rates in A&E, and ambulances are getting to people faster. Meanwhile, I am sorry to say that in the Labour-run NHS in Wales, more than half of patients are waiting more than four hours in A&E.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer shifted focus from NHS performance under the current government to criticisms of Labour's record in Wales.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
There is an ongoing problem affecting access to riluzole, the only licensed drug for the treatment of motor neurone disease in the UK.
What steps is the Minister taking to ascertain the cause of ongoing problems affecting access to riluzole, the only licensed drug for the treatment of motor neurone disease in the UK, to provide clarity to the MND community and ensure that normal supply is restored as soon as possible?
There is a supply issue with riluzole 50 mg tablets, caused by a supplier experiencing manufacturing issues. We have a well-established procedure in place to deal with such issues, and are working with the industry, the NHS and others to resolve it as quickly as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific details about steps or timelines for resolution.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Cancer Research UK has found that too much UV radiation is the third biggest cause of cancer across these isles. Cost can be a barrier for people wishing to protect their skin from the sun.
Does the Secretary of State recognise that cost is a barrier for people wishing to protect their skin from the sun, and will she commit to having conversations with Cabinet colleagues to remove VAT on sun protection products, which will help protect NHS budgets and ultimately save lives?
We see that as part of a much wider campaign to ensure that we treat the sun safely, by reducing the amount of time we spend in the sun, particularly during peak hours of the day in summertime. I keep all these discussions in play with my Treasury colleagues.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer shifted focus from removing VAT on products to general advice about safe sun exposure.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Rural constituencies are seeing a growing number of dentists withdraw from NHS provision.
What steps is the Department taking to ensure that vital dental care is provided for everyone, particularly in rural communities?
We have a plan, which is almost ready. I urge her to wait just a little longer.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific measures or timelines for improving dental care in rural areas.
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns raised about the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order 2024 regarding proper doctor-supervised ratios for AAs and PAs.
NHS staff have expressed concerns about the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order 2024. Can the Minister tell me if resource will be needed for AAs and PAs to be properly supervised by doctors on a one to one ratio? Will he meet trade unions and professional bodies as a matter of urgency to clarify the Government's position on this hugely important public health issue?
PAs and AAs are an essential part of the reform piece to the long-term workforce plan. I note that the order was passed by the House last night without a Division, so I am grateful for that cross-party support. We are working with the General Medical Council, the British Medical Association and others to ensure that the regulations are fit for purpose.
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Assessment & feedback
Resource needs for proper supervision were not addressed; no commitment to meetings was given
Looking Forward
We Look Forward
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents of South Derbyshire have limited access to diagnostic tests, requiring travel to Tamworth, Burton or Derby.
As my constituents have to travel to Tamworth, Burton or Derby for diagnostic tests, can I encourage the Secretary of State to look favourably on a bid for a new much-needed community diagnostic centre in South Derbyshire?
I thank my hon. Friend sincerely for her question. The good news is that community diagnostic centres have now delivered over 6 million additional tests and scans since July 2021 thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, but I will of course be delighted to meet her to discuss her plans for her local constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to support a bid; only offered to meet
Will Be Delighted
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The number of premature deaths from heart and circulatory diseases has risen to its highest level in over a decade.
New British Heart Foundation analysis shows that the number of people dying before the age of 75 in England from heart and circulatory diseases has risen to its highest level in over a decade. The rate of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease has now increased in England for three years back to back. Why are the Government taking such a long time to get to grips with this crisis?
The NHS long-term plan commits to a number of key ambitions to improve care and outcomes for individuals suffering from cardiovascular disease, including enhanced diagnostic support in the community, better personalised planning, and increasing access to cardiac rehabilitation. Those ambitions will support the delivery of the aim to prevent 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia cases by 2029.
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Assessment & feedback
No explanation for delays; only referenced future commitments
Key Ambitions
Commits To
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents of Blackrod and Westhoughton have concerns about GP access.
The single biggest concern my constituents raise about healthcare is access to GPs, especially in Blackrod and Westhoughton. What more can my right hon. Friend do to ensure we have better GP access?
I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that our NHS long-term plan sets out a real-terms increase of at least £4.5 billion a year for primary and community care by 2023-24. We now have over 2,000 more full-time equivalent GPs working in our NHS, and we have had the amazing achievement of more than 50 million more appointments per year, beating our target several months early.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific new measures mentioned; only referenced existing plans
Real-Terms Increase
Full-Time Equivalent
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside failed to meet the 62-day cancer waiting time target between April and June last year.
In the NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside between April and June last year, the 62-day cancer waiting time target was not met. If the target had been achieved, around 150 extra patients would have been treated on time. What would the Secretary of State like to say to those 150 patients?
The 62-day backlog has fallen by 27% since its peak in May 2020. We know there is more to be done, and that is why we are bringing forward more measures as early as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or timeline for improvement; only acknowledged backlog reduction
More To Be Done
Bringing Forward
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Regis Medical Centre has faced issues with the Anima booking system, leading to frustrated patients.
Many of my constituents who use Regis Medical Centre have been left angry and frustrated by the botched implementation of an Anima booking system, leading to them being unable to get an appointment or the treatment they need. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how we can learn the lessons from that botched implementation and make sure trust in that GP surgery is restored?
Yes, happy to.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to any concrete actions or meetings beyond vague agreement
Happy To
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Community pharmacies in Glastonbury and Somerton are facing financial challenges due to dispensing drugs at a loss.
I recently met the staff of a pharmacy in Bruton in my constituency to hear about some of the challenges it is facing. Community pharmacists are dispensing some of the country's most widely prescribed drugs at a loss, therefore subsidising the NHS. What steps is the Secretary of State's Department taking to prevent the closure of community pharmacists?
We are ensuring that community pharmacists have an even greater role in primary care than they have already. For example, we saw the first stage of the roll-out of Pharmacy First in December, with blood pressure checks and contraceptive care being rolled out.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific steps to prevent closures; only mentioned expanded roles for pharmacists
Greater Role
Roll-Out
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
An independent review of the equity of medical devices for black and Asian patients was commissioned but not yet published.
The colour of someone's skin should not have an impact on the reliability of medical devices, but we know that that is what happened during the pandemic for many black and Asian patients. When I was the Health Secretary, I commissioned an independent review of the equity of medical devices from Professor Dame Margaret Whitehead. Her report was handed to the Department in June last year, but the Department has not yet published it or responded to it. I know that my right hon. Friend cares about health inequalities as much as I do, so may I ask her to publish the report, along with a full Government response, as a matter of urgency?
I thank my right hon. Friend for commissioning that vital piece of work. I am giving the matter my closest attention, and I hope very much to be in a position to respond to his points in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to publish or response; only stated intention to give attention
Closest Attention
Position To Respond
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
The Riverside unit in Bristol East had to close temporarily due to concerns about providing safe care.
This week the Riverside unit in my constituency, which treats young people with severe eating disorders, had to close temporarily because of concerns about its ability to provide safe care. What are the Government doing to ensure that young people who, in many cases, go through mental health crises as a result of their eating disorders receive the care that they need as close to home as possible?
As the hon. Lady will know, we are investing more in mental health services for young people in particular and, indeed, for those with eating disorders.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific actions mentioned; only referenced general investment
Investing More
Particular
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
The opening of new operating theatres at Torbay Hospital next month represents the latest investment, but more major rebuilding work is planned.
When does the Secretary of State plan to deliver the next update on the progress of that project?
I am delighted that the House is as happy about that expansion as the hon. Gentleman and I are. I will meet him to go through his plans, because I know how carefully he has campaigned for this important asset in his constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask of providing a timeline or date was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
The nurse treating the questioner's sick son at Royal Lancaster Infirmary mentioned that a new hospital promised four years ago has been forgotten.
Can the Secretary of State tell that nurse, my constituent, whether we have indeed forgotten about that new hospital?
The hon. Lady is aware of my knowledge not only of that hospital, but of her local area. I will look into this matter for her, because I want to ensure that the good people of Lancashire, Mr Speaker, are looked after as we would all hope and expect.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about confirming or denying the status of the new hospital was not addressed with concrete details.
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner welcomes a previous statement about encouraging research on lobular breast cancer and looks forward to meeting the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
I warmly welcome what my right hon. Friend said last week about encouraging research on lobular breast cancer, and I look forward to meeting the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the hon. Member for Lewes (Maria Caulfield), shortly to work out how we can operationalise what is her clear ambition.
I thank my right hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Dehenna Davison) for bringing two amazing women to talk to me about the impact of lobular cancer. For the benefit of Members on both sides of the House, last week we sent out a “Dear colleague” letter and graphics about the women's health strategy so that we can all help our constituents to understand what this Conservative Government are doing to ensure that the healthcare of women is faster, simpler and fairer.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for operationalising research initiatives was not addressed with concrete details.
Response accuracy