Winter Pressure on NHS Services 2023-12-05
2023-12-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The NHS is facing significant winter pressures, leading to increased patient visits and overcrowding in hospitals.
What steps her Department is taking to reduce pressure on NHS services in winter 2023-24?
We started planning for this winter earlier than ever before—back in January, with funding for more beds and ambulances, social care capacity, care coordination, and technology use to provide care when and where needed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps or commitments beyond planning early
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Two A&E departments in Hornsey and Wood Green face significant pressure, with one seeing double the number of patients compared to last year.
What are the Government going to do about overcrowding in accident and emergency?
We are providing more capacity with hospital beds, ambulances, social care, seeing people out of hospitals through 10,000 “hospital at home” beds and avoiding unnecessary hospital visits.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete actions for overcrowded A&E departments
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The NHS workforce is crucial and needs additional support to meet the demand, especially with winter approaching.
Will the Minister update the House on the delivery of our manifesto commitment for an additional 50,000 nurses?
We have achieved the manifesto commitment to deliver an additional 50,000 nurses for the NHS.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Northwick Park Hospital serves a significant population and needs additional intensive care beds to manage winter pressures.
Why do Ministers not invest in a hospital that actually exists and provide a new purpose-built intensive care facility at Northwick Park Hospital?
We are investing in the NHS, ensuring more capacity through 5,000 extra hospital beds and 800 new ambulances around the country this winter. We are also focusing on care outside hospitals with proactive measures to support patients.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify investment in Northwick Park Hospital
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Residents in rural areas face additional challenges accessing specialist medical services, especially during winter months.
What is the Minister doing to ensure that constituents in rural areas are well looked after?
We are investing in more ambulance hours and quicker response times, reducing delays and improving A&E performance with faster care delivery.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete measures for rural healthcare
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The current government's approach to winter crises is seen as inadequate, with only temporary solutions.
How will patients know that a winter crisis has been avoided if problems persist into the spring?
I am really sorry, but the hon. Member's memory appears to be very short. Problems for the NHS during winter existed under previous Labour governments as well; Wales is also struggling with A&E performance issues.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Attacking Opposition
Challenging Credibility Of Questioner
Response accuracy