Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Autumn 2020 Lockdown: Newborn Babies

Tuesday 17 November 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Health visiting teams have continued to prioritize high-need families during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • Agrees that digital technologies used during the pandemic should be continued to enhance healthcare delivery for new families.
  • The Minister acknowledges the concern about the insufficient amount of Healthy Start vouchers for families with babies under one year old.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison Thewliss SNP
NHS Children & Families
Context

The MP is concerned about the indirect impact of the pandemic on pregnant women and young families, highlighting the need for continued support despite challenges.

Question

What steps he is taking to support the healthcare needs of babies and families during the covid-19 outbreak. The indirect impact of covid-19 has been significant for pregnant women and their young families. Support for families is a priority, aiming to prevent short-term and long-term harms.

Answer from Nadine Dorries

Health visiting teams have continued to prioritise high-need families. Efforts are made to ensure that informal support networks that supported mothers and younger babies can remain, providing necessary support even as it was challenging during the first wave.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ensuring informal support networks remains intact is not fully addressed with concrete steps or commitments.

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Q2 Andrea Leadsom Con
NHS Children & Families
Context

The MP acknowledges the desire of new families to return to face-to-face healthcare services while recognising the importance of retaining digital learning from the pandemic.

Question

Does she agree that the amazing work in the early years sector to deliver online and digital services must not be lost? When we return to face-to-face services, we also need to capture all the amazing learning on digital support for new families. The hon. Friend is well aware of the desire of new families to return to face-to-face services as soon as possible.

Answer from Nadine Dorries

Agrees with using digital technologies which enhanced various areas including mental health and young families. Emphasises the importance of continuing to embrace technology in healthcare delivery without losing this moment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about capturing learning on digital support is not addressed with concrete steps or commitments.

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Q3 Alison Thewliss SNP
Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The MP highlights that many low-income families struggle to afford infant formula with current Healthy Start voucher amounts. She references a report recommending an uprating due to the risk of unsafe alternatives.

Question

Families with babies under one are entitled to only £6.20 per week in Healthy Start vouchers, which is insufficient for buying any infant formula on the market compared to Scotland's equivalent of £8.50. The report from 2018 by the all-party group on infant feeding and inequalities recommended uprating these vouchers due to cost issues leading to unsafe alternatives or diluted formula. Will the Minister urgently consider uprating Healthy Start vouchers?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

I will take away the hon. Lady's comments and we will look at them.

Not addressed: The specific ask about uprating Healthy Start vouchers is not addressed with any concrete steps or commitments.

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