Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the Prime Minister's announcement in October 2020 to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030 with an initial investment of £3.7 billion.
I am concerned about building new hospitals. What steps is his Department taking? The Prime Minister announced details of 40 schemes that we will be taking forward in line with our manifesto commitment to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030, supported by an initial £3.7 billion investment for them.
In October 2020 the Prime Minister announced details of 40 schemes that we will be taking forward in line with our manifesto commitment to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030, supported by an initial £3.7 billion investment for them.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Norfolk is physically crumbling, with wooden staves and acrow props holding up the ceilings and roofs. Eight MPs have written in support of the hospital's bid for funding.
In Norfolk, we have the Queen Elizabeth Hospital which is physically crumbling, serving the entire county. Could I invite the Minister to visit the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to see for himself the state of its structure?
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend, who quite rightly recognises and highlights the work that my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk has put into championing the cause of this hospital. I understand that it has put in an application to be one of the next eight hospitals, which will of course be considered very carefully. I am very happy to visit Norfolk as well.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the crumbling structure directly but indicated willingness to visit and consider the hospital's bid.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about the downgrading of Walsall Manor Hospital.
The Government appear to be downgrading existing hospitals. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the downgrading of Walsall Manor, so that I can explain it to constituents and whistleblowers?
I am always happy to meet the right hon. Lady. However, I would say to her that decisions such as that are NHS-made, clinical decisions.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a direct answer on meeting but referred to clinical decision-making process by NHS.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There are plans for Accrington Victoria Hospital in Hyndburn.
Will the Minister agree to meet me in Hyndburn to discuss plans for Accrington Victoria Hospital, making sure we are utilising our fantastic and historic building to its full potential?
The short answer is that it looks as though I may be going on tour in the coming months, and I am delighted to accept my hon. Friend's kind invitation.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment given beyond a potential future visit.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Department is downplaying the number of new hospitals being built, despite a £9 billion maintenance backlog.
With a £9 billion maintenance backlog, it is truly mind-boggling that the Department's priority has been to try to change the definition of what a new hospital is. Can the Minister tell us how many of those 48 hospitals are genuinely new builds?
We have a very clear definition of a new hospital, which I believe is shared by the public. To his specific question, we are committed to our manifesto commitment of 40 new hospitals by 2030—we build, the Opposition complain.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a numerical answer but referred back to the manifesto commitment and dismissed questioning as complaints from opposition.
Response accuracy