Gynaecological Care Waiting Lists 2023-01-25
2023-01-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about long wait times for vaginal mesh removal and a lack of trained surgeons to perform the procedure.
If she will hold discussions with her Cabinet colleagues on NHS waiting lists for gynaecological care. Some vaginal mesh-injured women have been left waiting four years for mesh removal, and I have already highlighted women's concerns that the surgeons they go to for mesh removal are trained only in implanting the mesh and not in removing it. These women fear that, once again, they are being used as test subjects. When will mesh-injured women get the redress that was recommended in Baroness Cumberlege's review, “First Do No Harm”?
Tackling NHS waiting lists, including for gynaecology, is a priority for the Government, which is why we are spending £8 billion on clearing our backlog. For gynae procedures specifically, we have opened 90 surgical hubs, 90 community diagnostic centres and women's health hubs, which will all help to tackle gynaecology backlogs. I thank the hon. Lady for her work in this space. I recognise that while we have set up nine specialist mesh centres to tackle mesh removal and seen a number of women come forward and receive their surgery, there are still a number on the waiting list. I am meeting some of the campaigners on mesh removal next week.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address when redress will be provided for vaginal mesh-injured women as per Baroness Cumberlege's review recommendations
Tackling Nhs Waiting Lists Is A Priority
Opening Surgical Hubs And Centres To Tackle Backlogs
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
NHS England figures show a significant increase in the number of women waiting over a year for gynaecological treatment.
NHS England figures show that in October 2012, 15 women had been waiting over a year for gynaecological treatment. Can the Minister tell the House how many women had been waiting for that long in October last year?
As the shadow Minister will know, there is a backlog of procedures in all four devolved nations of the United Kingdom for clinical reasons, rather than political reasons. We have made huge progress in clearing the two-year backlog, with the majority of those patients now having had their treatments. We are on track to meet the target for the 18-month backlog in April, and we will then focus on those who are waiting a year.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific number of women waiting over a year as requested
Backlog Exists For Clinical Reasons
Progress Made In Clearing Backlogs
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Significant increase in the number of women waiting over a year for gynaecological treatment, with low cervical screening rates.
I regret that the Minister did not directly answer my question—perhaps it was because she is aware of the appalling scale of the backlog. As of October last year, 38,000 women had been waiting over a year for treatment. That is 2,500 times more than 10 years ago. On top of that, less than half of women are up to date with cervical screening in some areas. Do women suffering in pain now just have to accept long waiting times and low screening rates under the Conservatives?
Isn't it sad that this is turning into a political football, when there are clinical reasons why backlogs have accumulated over the two years? Perhaps the shadow Minister will look at Wales, where Labour has been in charge for 20 years and where the performance is worse than in England.
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Assessment & feedback
Avoided discussing women's suffering and long wait times
Blaming The Opposition
Comparing Performance With Labour-Led Wales
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about long wait times for vaginal mesh removal.
If she will hold discussions with her Cabinet colleagues on NHS waiting lists for gynaecological care. Some vaginal mesh-injured women have been left waiting four years for mesh removal, and I have already highlighted women's concerns that the surgeons they go to for mesh removal are trained only in implanting the mesh and not in removing it. These women fear that, once again, they are being used as test subjects. When will mesh-injured women get the redress that was recommended in Baroness Cumberlege's review, “First Do No Harm”?
Tackling NHS waiting lists, including for gynaecology, is a priority for the Government, which is why we are spending £8 billion on clearing our backlog. For gynae procedures specifically, we have opened 90 surgical hubs, 90 community diagnostic centres and women's health hubs, which will all help to tackle gynaecology backlogs. I thank the hon. Lady for her work in this space. I recognise that while we have set up nine specialist mesh centres to tackle mesh removal and seen a number of women come forward and receive their surgery, there are still a number on the waiting list. I am meeting some of the campaigners on mesh removal next week.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address when redress will be provided for vaginal mesh-injured women as per Baroness Cumberlege's review recommendations
Tackling Nhs Waiting Lists Is A Priority
Opening Surgical Hubs And Centres To Tackle Backlogs
Response accuracy