Ambulance Services Strikes 2023-01-24
2023-01-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by ongoing strikes affecting ambulance services, leading to concerns about service continuity and safety for the public.
What steps he is taking to ensure that ambulance services continue to operate during strikes. He asked what measures are being taken to maintain critical healthcare operations amidst industrial action.
We have introduced a range of contingency measures, such as the provision of military personnel available for driving ambulances and community first responders assisting before ambulances arrive. These steps aim to ensure continued service operation during strikes.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by recent improvements in call answering times at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, alongside criticism directed towards the Leader of the Opposition during PM's Question Time.
Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking call handlers for halving 999 calls and reducing average call answering times to just three seconds over the last month? Will he also express dismay at the approach taken by the Leader of the Opposition during recent Prime Minister's Question Time?
I am happy to join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the work of call handlers at South Western Ambulance Service, and to the staff there as a whole. The improved performance noted recently is right and also right to point out that all parts of the United Kingdom have faced considerable challenges over Christmas.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The criticism towards the opposition was not directly relevant to answering the question about call handlers' performance.
Discussing Other Related Issues
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by observations made in the Health and Social Care Committee that strike days see a drop in demand but also an increase in clinical value and cost-effectiveness. This contrasts with regular operational days.
Why does increased clinical support lead to better decision-making on strike days rather than every day of the year?
We are taking steps to improve performance, and I thought you were going to refer to your own Front Bench criticism. We on this side spend significant time with clinicians to understand their needs, unlike those opposite us.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The question about clinical support was not answered; instead, the response criticised the opposition's approach and understanding of clinician needs.
Criticising The Opposition
Shifting Focus To Opposing Party
Response accuracy