Topical Questions 2022-06-14

2022-06-14

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem
North East Fife
Context
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation did not include unpaid carers in the autumn booster programme.
Last month, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation published an interim statement on the autumn booster programme, in which—once again—unpaid carers have not been included. It is vital that they have equal access to vaccines to paid carers to keep their loved ones safe, as they continue to do right now. Will the Secretary of State advise me when we might receive a final statement from the JCVI on the autumn booster programme?
I thank the hon. Lady for raising the importance of getting vaccinations right. She will know that we rely on the independent advice of our clinicians—the committee known as the JCVI—and I think it is right that it is independent. Ultimately, it decides on its advice, and it is for Ministers whether to accept it. However, she has made an important point about unpaid carers, and I will ask the JCVI to see if that can be properly considered in the autumn booster review.
Assessment & feedback
The MP asked when they would receive a final statement from the JCVI but received no timeline or specific information about this.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Martin Vickers Con
Brigg and Immingham
Context
There are severe gaps in dentistry provision in northern Lincolnshire.
I heard what the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes (Maria Caulfield), had to say about dentistry earlier, and I recognise the work she is doing to improve the situation. However, in northern Lincolnshire, like many other areas, we have very severe gaps in provision. Could the Minister outline what is being done to ensure that newly qualified dentists actually work in the NHS for a considerable time and that new practices are established in the areas where the need is greatest?
I am happy to respond to my hon. Friend. He is right that we of course want to ensure that everyone has timely access to NHS dentistry and that the profession is an appealing career choice. Health Education England has a dental education and reform programme, which will help retain new dentists in the NHS by placing training in areas of greatest need, and offer more flexibility and more career pathways. I can also tell him that, in Lincolnshire, commissioners are already looking at ways to support NHS dentistry through support such as the golden hello incentives.
Assessment & feedback
While addressing some aspects related to new dentists and practices, the Secretary of State did not provide specific commitments or timelines for ensuring that newly qualified dentists will work in the NHS long-term.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Wes Streeting Lab
Ilford North
Context
A BBC investigation revealed serious issues in GP surgeries, including patient referrals and test results unread for up to six months.
I associate myself with the Secretary of State's remarks as we remember the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and support the families in their ongoing quest for justice. I also associate Opposition Members with your remarks, Mr Speaker, on the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands war. Last night's shocking BBC “Panorama” investigation into Operose Health revealed the extent of the crisis in GP surgeries, with patient referrals and test results left unread for up to six months, and with patients being seen by less qualified staff standing in for GPs without supervision. This is exactly what happens when private profit is placed above patient health and safety. Why is the Secretary of State asleep at the wheel instead of launching an investigation into this scandal?
As I said earlier, the hon. Gentleman should reflect on the rule changes made by a previous Labour Government that allowed the management of many GP practices to change hands. When such serious allegations are made, it is right that local commissioners investigate them properly and independently. When it comes to GP access and capacity, I hope he will welcome that we are making a record investment, with over £0.5 billion of support during the pandemic, and recruiting GPs at a record rate.
Assessment & feedback
The MP asked why an investigation had not been launched but received criticism about past Labour rule changes instead of addressing the specific issue raised.
Blaming Previous Governments
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Wes Streeting Lab
Ilford North
Context
The Secretary of State has been warned about the negligence, cover-up and bribing of whistleblowers at the North East Ambulance Service.
The British people are sick and tired of hearing Conservative Ministers, after 12 years in government, passing the buck to everyone else and failing to take responsibility. Let us look at another scandal that has happened on the Secretary of State's watch. It has now been weeks since he was warned about the negligence, the cover-up and the bribing of whistleblowers to stay silent about the scandals at the North East Ambulance Service. Since then, he has done precisely nothing to investigate the scandal. When will he address patient safety, get a grip and stop passing the buck? Or is this another case of the Government being, in the words of the Culture Secretary, found “wanting and inadequate”?
I told Members last week that I will review whether we can have an independent review of the North East Ambulance Service, and the NHS has agreed to an independent review. The hon. Gentleman stands up week after week and tries to claim he is on the side of patients and NHS workers, but we know he is actually on the side of those who are on strike—that is where his loyalties lie. Will he reflect on how many nurses will not be able to get to work and how many appointments will be unattended because of the transport strike? I know he wants to be the second coming of Tony Blair, but he is no more than a pound shop Ed Miliband.
Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about an investigation into the scandal, and the Secretary of State mentioned a review, but most of his response was criticism rather than addressing patient safety issues directly.
Criticizing Opposition
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
There is a need for improved access to the £40 million committed by the Government towards brain tumour research.
Many in the Scunthorpe area will remember David Hopkins, whom we sadly lost to glioblastoma. Alongside earlier diagnosis, we need improved access to the £40 million the Government have committed to brain tumour research. Will my right hon. Friend look carefully at the findings of the ongoing investigation by the all-party parliamentary group on brain tumours and do all he can to speed up access to this research funding?
My sincere condolences to the family of David Hopkins. Cancer diagnosis and treatment is an absolute priority, which is why we are putting £2.3 billion into campaigns and new initiatives to encourage people with suspected cancer to come forward. I am pleased that the referral rate is currently 120% of the pre-pandemic level. I will, of course, read the APPG's report. I visited the largest neurology hospital in the UK last month with my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman), and I am determined to ensure that our investment in this vital area of research goes straight to the frontline.
Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about speeding up access to research funding, but no specific timeline or concrete actions were provided regarding this request.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
Sir Robert Francis is set to give evidence on his work regarding the infected blood scandal, but victims face lengthy waiting times for compensation.
The Government have noted that Sir Robert Francis will give evidence on his work on the infected blood inquiry on 11 and 12 July, and said that they will act after hearing his evidence. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact on victims' mental health of the lengthy waiting times for compensation in relation to contaminated blood?
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important issue. The House is well aware of the Government's work to bring justice to those who have been affected by contaminated blood, and we will continue to take that seriously.
Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues on mental health impact not addressed
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
A bid for a new hospital at Thornbury was submitted against the sustainability and transformation plan wave 4 capital pot.
The bid for a new hospital in Thornbury has been submitted. Will he update the House on the timescales for its outcome?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend; he rightly alludes to the fact that he is a strong champion of his constituents and has met me on a number of occasions to argue the merits of the Thornbury health centre. As he will be aware, we now have a multi-year capital settlement for our NHS, which will allow us the opportunity, through local systems, to consider the most appropriate projects for investment.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Matt Western Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Context
The Rosalind Franklin laboratory, which cost £1.1 billion, is handling just 30,000 tests a day despite being planned to process 300,000.
Planned to process 300,000 tests a day, the Rosalind Franklin laboratory is handling just 30,000 a day. I understand that some scientists working there are being paid for five days but working just one day a week. Given that the lab cost £1.1 billion, almost twice the original budget, what does this say about the Minister's oversight of the programme?
I am afraid that it was not clear to me which tests the hon. Gentleman was talking about; all I heard was “300,000 tests”. So if he cares to write to me, I will respond properly to his question.
Assessment & feedback
Specific oversight issues not addressed
Redirect
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Jeremy Hunt Con
Godalming and Ash
Context
A study in the British Journal of General Practice indicates that people who see the same GP over many years are less likely to go to hospital, need out-of-hours care or die.
Has the Secretary of State read the study in the British Journal of General Practice that says that people who see the same GP over many years are 30% less likely to go to hospital, 30% less likely to need out-of-hours care and 25% less likely to die? If he has, will he consider changing the GP contract to restore individual patient lists and reverse the change of two decades ago so that everyone has their own family doctor?
I have not read that review, but now that my right hon. Friend has mentioned it I will certainly take a look at it. He raises an important point about access to GPs. He is right to say that many people would want to see the same GP again and again—that would be their preference. One can see how that may lead to better clinical outcomes, but I hope he will respect the fact that others do not mind if they do not see the same GP and just want rapid access. It is important that we get the right balance.
Assessment & feedback
Specific review results not addressed; no commitment to changing contracts
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Imran Hussain Lab
Bradford East
Context
Many constituents cannot get GP appointments for days or weeks, putting their health at serious risk.
Despite the Secretary of State's assertion that we have had record investment in our GP practices, the reality remains that many of my constituents cannot get an appointment to see their GPs for days, if not weeks. That is putting their health at serious risk and forcing them to go to accident and emergency because there is nowhere else to go. In Bradford, we need a new hospital, and I will continue to campaign for that, but our imminent need is for an urgent treatment centre. Will he meet me to discuss that option seriously and provide the funding to our local NHS trust?
The hon. Gentleman is right to talk about the importance of timely access to GPs, whether in Bradford or across the country. There are, of course, challenges across the country, which is one reason why we put in place an action plan, including some £500 million of extra funding, during the pandemic. On his plea for an urgent treatment centre, I will make sure that the Health Minister will meet him.
Assessment & feedback
Specific meeting and funding not committed to
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
James Wild Con
North West Norfolk
Context
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital needs its RAAC replaced and the Department understands this.
Before the jubilee weekend, I was pleased to welcome the Minister to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to see the cracking RAAC—reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete—which the Department understands needs to be replaced. So will he take the opportunity to build a new QEH, fit for the future? When will the patients and staff at QEH know that they are on the list? They are impatient for a decision.
It was a great pleasure to visit my hon. Friend before the jubilee weekend and to meet the staff who do such an amazing job at his local hospital. As ever, his puts his case clearly and firmly for a new hospital to replace the QE in King's Lynn, and we hope to be able to announce the longlist of those expressions of interest in due course.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
The Minister cited a drop in COVID test uptake as an explanation for the drop in GDP. Domestic diagnostics should be a vital component of effective prevention and strategic planning.
In response to yesterday's urgent question on GDP, the Minister cited a drop in covid test uptake to explain the drop in GDP. Coronavirus test device approvals have been moving at glacial speed, with UK companies having to spend significant money preparing to mitigate this. Monkeypox also indicates unexplained changes in viral behaviours, and we know that COVID is once again on the rise, so domestic diagnostics should be a vital component of effective prevention and strategic planning. Will the Secretary of State or a Minister meet me to discuss how best we harness these resources?
As I have said before, no country got every decision right during the pandemic, but one thing we did get right was our response in terms of diagnostics, vaccinations and antivirals. That combination allowed us to become the first country in Europe to open up and therefore also to boost our economy. I will make sure that the hon. Gentleman gets the meeting he has asked for.
Assessment & feedback
Specific diagnostic resources not addressed
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
West Midlands ambulance service faces significant delays and partnership issues in north Staffordshire.
We have serious concerns about the West Midlands ambulance service and delays in north Staffordshire. Staffordshire fire service wants to help improve ambulance services in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Will my right hon. Friend agree to do as much as he can?
My hon. Friend makes a very good point and some good suggestions. West Midlands ambulance service is my local ambulance service too, and I recently met its chief executive officer and chairwoman. As he knows, the NHS has published and is executing a 10-point plan for emergency service recovery.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to improving services in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire was not provided
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Richard Burgon Lab
Leeds East
Context
The number of nurses leaving the NHS is at its highest for years. There have been a decade of pay cuts.
Increasingly, hospitals have food banks to help NHS staff cope with cost-of-living crisis. The number of nurses leaving the NHS is at its highest for years after a decade of pay cuts. Will not yet another below-inflation pay award mean even more nurses leave and harm patient care?
I am pleased to say that we have more nurses working for the NHS than at any point in its history, and last year we recruited an additional 10,900.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to addressing nurse attrition was not provided
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Christopher Chope Con
Christchurch
Context
There are concerns about deaths resulting from covid-19 vaccinations.
Does my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State accept that some people have died as a direct result of having had covid-19 vaccines?
I accept that the vaccine has not worked in the intended way for every single person. I am afraid that this is a risk with any vaccine that has ever been approved in any major country.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
The Public Accounts Committee criticised the UK Government for a £4 billion PPE purchase that was haphazard and is now unusable.
On Friday, the cross-party Public Accounts Committee described the UK Government's procurement of £4 billion of unusable PPE during the pandemic as a result of a 'haphazard purchasing strategy'. Who does the Secretary of State believe should be held responsible for this unacceptable squandering of taxpayers' money?
I hold the covid virus responsible.
Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of accountability for PPE procurement was avoided
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q17 Direct Answer
Context
There is a campaign for a men's health strategy to address the needs of male patients.
I thank the Secretary of State for his recent visit to Doncaster Royal Infirmary. I apologise for the fact that the lights went out while he was there—it was not planned, but it did bolster my campaign for a new hospital. Will he meet me again during Men's Health Week?
Yes, that is a very important issue and I will be happy to meet my hon. Friend.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Mohammad Yasin Lab
Bedford
Context
There are concerns about NHS dentistry waiting times and workforce shortages.
When I wrote to the Minister recently about my concerns about NHS dentistry waiting times, I was advised that my constituent was not restricted by geography, which implied that he should travel for an appointment. The east of England has been identified as a dental desert. When will the Government stop blaming the dental practices and address workforce shortages?
This Government are not blaming dentists for the pressures they are facing. If anyone is to blame, it is the Labour Government for their 2006 contract. We are amending that contract, and will make an announcement before the summer recess.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or action to improve NHS dentistry was not provided
Response accuracy
Q19 Direct Answer
Kerry McCarthy Lab
Bristol East
Context
Suicide prevention organisations are struggling due to economic pressures.
Suicide prevention organisations such as the Campaign Against Living Miserably and Papyrus need more support. In the current climate, they rely on charitable donations but struggle to meet demand. What will the Government do to ensure these services survive?
Of course every suicide is a tragedy. We must do all we can to help prevent suicides. In the last financial year, we provided £5.4 million to 113 voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations; we also provided £510,000 for the Samaritans helpline for people experiencing distress.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Jim Shannon DUP
Strangford
Context
There are concerns about IVF treatment availability and funding.
As IVF treatment is incredibly time sensitive, will the Secretary of State consider increasing the funding available to allow couples to make use of private facilities on the NHS?
I cannot comment on health in Northern Ireland specifically as it is a devolved matter. IVF will be a significant factor in the women's health strategy.
Assessment & feedback
Specific funding commitment for private facility access was not provided
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Hilary Benn Lab
Leeds South
Context
The site for the new Leeds children's hospital and adult hospital is being cleared.
The site for the new Leeds children's hospital and the adult hospital building, the Leeds General Infirmary, will be cleared by the end of this month. The trust is raring to go to build these wonderful new facilities. Can the Secretary of State tell me when the final go-ahead for the construction will be given?
The right hon. Gentleman will know that I have visited the site and spoken to local members of the trust. It is a project that we support, and we are in the final stages of the final approvals.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for construction approval was not provided
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
The Government promised medical cannabis on the NHS 1,183 days ago. A child with epilepsy would have experienced around 35,490 seizures since then. Free NHS prescriptions prove that the medicine exists and is approved in the UK.
As was pointed out by the hon. Member for Lichfield (Michael Fabricant), this Government promised medical cannabis on the NHS 1,183 days ago. Since then, a child with epilepsy will have experienced, at a modest estimate, 40,000 seizures. We have free NHS prescriptions, which proves that the medicine exists and is approved for use in the United Kingdom. How much longer must those children suffer?
As I have said, I met the Scottish Minister on this issue. Scotland is facing exactly the same problem. Where medicinal cannabis is licensed, 9,631 prescriptions have been issued in primary care and 58,000 in secondary care, thanks to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State who changed the law at the time.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address how long children must suffer without medical cannabis on the NHS
Response accuracy