Local Health Services Consultation 2021-04-13
2021-04-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about steps being taken to ensure patients are consulted on the provision of their local health services. The context includes concerns over whether patients are adequately involved in decisions affecting them.
What steps he is taking to ensure patients are consulted on the provision of their local health services?
The Government are committed to putting patients at the centre of our health service. Patients are consulted on their local health services in a wide variety of contexts, including through Healthwatch England, the independent national champion for patients. When a major or substantial reconfiguration or change to services is proposed, the local clinical commissioning group is legally required to hold a consultation with local people.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask regarding steps being taken was not fully addressed; instead, general commitments and existing frameworks were mentioned without concrete new actions.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP wrote to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about the closure of Goodrest Croft GP surgery, which serves over 6,000 patients in his constituency without prior consultation. The decision was made by Birmingham and Solihull clinical commissioning group during the pandemic.
I wrote to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about this issue a month ago. Last December, amid the pandemic, Birmingham and Solihull clinical commissioning group decided to close Goodrest Croft GP surgery—which has more than 6,000 patients—in my constituency. The CCG did not consult anyone because apparently it is not required to do so. Does the Minister find that acceptable?
Although I am not familiar with the detail of the specific local case the hon. Gentleman raises, I am happy to meet him to discuss it if that is helpful to him.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific question about the acceptability of closing a GP surgery without consultation was not addressed; instead, an offer to meet was made.
Meeting Offer
Response accuracy