NHS England-NHS Scotland Co-operation 2023-09-13

2023-09-13

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Jamie Stone Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of cooperation between the two healthcare systems despite increasing need for collaboration due to long-term waiting lists.
Whether he has held recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on increasing co-operation between NHS England and NHS Scotland. Ministerial colleagues at the Department of Health and Social Care have written to the Scottish Government inviting them for talks on how we can work together to tackle long-term waiting lists in all parts of the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom Government support collaboration between all our nations to share best practice, improve transparency and provide better accountability for patients. Ministerial colleagues at the Department of Health and Social Care have written to the Scottish Government inviting them for talks on how we can work together to tackle long-term waiting lists in all parts of the United Kingdom.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Jamie Stone Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Context
A constituent has been informed they will need to wait over three years for cataract treatment in Scotland while their neighbors registered with an English GP are being treated within six months by NHS England.
If someone is sick and their life is in danger, is it not the case that the border between Scotland and England should not get in the way of the best possible health outcome?
The hon. Member makes an extremely important point—that is something about which I am acutely aware as a Borders MP. Indeed, I have a constituent who lives in Foulden who has been told that they will need to wait over three years to have their cataracts seen to in Scotland. Meanwhile, their neighbours, who are registered with a GP in England, are being treated by NHS England within six months. My constituent simply does not understand that discrepancy. The SNP Government in Edinburgh should be doing much more to drive down NHS waiting lists and engage with colleagues in Westminster to ensure that all people across these islands get the best possible NHS services.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about removing healthcare disparities was not directly addressed; instead, the response highlighted discrepancies and suggested the SNP Government should take action without providing concrete steps or commitments from Westminster.
Response accuracy