Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Capacity for Winter 2020-21

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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister announced 3 billion to support NHS capacity for winter 2020-21, including 450 million for A&E upgrades.
  • 3 million allocated for Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley as part of the A&E upgrade funding.
  • Minister acknowledges the importance of supporting the NHS workforce and pays tribute to their efforts during the pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mike Wood Con Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
NHS
Context

The MP is concerned about the NHS's ability to handle increased patient loads during winter 2020-21.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to increase NHS capacity for winter 2020-21. The £3 million announced to increase winter capacity in Dudley is hugely welcome, but will my hon. Friend also look at Dudley's bids for capital funding for a hybrid theatre and reconfiguration of critical care? Will he join me on a visit to Russells Hall, so that he can see the transformative effect that those projects would have on care for patients in Dudley South?

Answer from Edward Argar

The Prime Minister has announced £3 billion to support NHS capacity this winter, including £450 million of capital funding to upgrade A&Es across the country. My hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from £3 million for Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley. Future NHS capital spending will be determined at the upcoming spending review; once settlement is confirmed with the Treasury, projects will be prioritised carefully. I encourage discussions between Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and NHS England/NHS Improvement. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this issue further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not rule out a pay freeze for NHS staff, did not commit to visiting Russells Hall Hospital

How: Future Spending Decisions Will Depend On The Upcoming Spending Review

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Q2 Mike Wood Con Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
NHS
Context

The MP is concerned about the NHS's ability to handle increased patient loads during winter 2020-21.

Question

The £3 million announced to increase winter capacity in Dudley is hugely welcome, but will my hon. Friend also look at Dudley's bids for capital funding for a hybrid theatre and reconfiguration of critical care? Will he join me on a visit to Russells Hall, so that he can see the transformative effect that those projects would have on care for patients in Dudley South?

Answer from Edward Argar

My hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from £3 million for Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, part of £450 million announced to upgrade A&Es across the country. Future NHS capital spending will be determined at the upcoming spending review; once settlement is confirmed with the Treasury, projects will be prioritised carefully. I encourage discussions between Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and NHS England/NHS Improvement. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this issue further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to visiting Russells Hall Hospital, did not rule out a pay freeze for NHS staff

How: Future Spending Decisions Will Depend On The Upcoming Spending Review

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Q3 Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
NHS
Context

The MP is concerned about NHS staff morale regarding potential two-year pay freeze reports.

Question

The NHS will only survive the winter if its workforce are valued and supported. The evidence from the British Medical Association to the Health and Social Care Committee this morning was stark. So does the Minister understand how demoralising it is for staff to hear reports that they may face yet another two-year pay freeze? I asked those on the Government Benches to rule this out last week. I got no answer, so I ask them again today: will they rule out a pay freeze for NHS staff?

Answer from Edward Argar

The NHS agrees with its staff multi-year pay deals set by independent recommendations, and we continue with that process. I pay tribute to the amazing work done by our NHS and social care workforce throughout the pandemic.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not rule out a pay freeze for NHS staff

How: The Answer Was Based On Continuing Existing Processes

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