Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 12 January 2021 · 12 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 8 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rachael Maskell asked about the vaccine roll-out plan and confirmed that 2.3 million people have been vaccinated so far.
  • Liz Kendall inquired about additional support for social care during the pandemic, including daily vaccination rates for care home residents and staff.
  • Alex Cunningham questioned the timeline for building a new hospital in Stockton to address health inequalities, but no specific commitment was made.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
NHS
Context

The question follows the launch of a UK vaccines delivery plan, addressing its implementation and impact.

Question

Yesterday we launched our UK vaccines delivery plan aiming to vaccinate hundreds of thousands daily starting with the most vulnerable. 2.3 million people have been vaccinated so far. Are you making a statement on your departmental responsibilities?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

Yesterday, we launched our UK vaccines delivery plan, which sets out how we will vaccinate hundreds of thousands of people every day, starting with the most vulnerable and staff in the NHS and social care. I am delighted that across the UK 2.3 million people have already been vaccinated. We are on track to deliver our commitment to offer a first dose to everyone in the most vulnerable groups by 15 February.

Answered
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Q2 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
NHS
Context

The NHS is facing significant pressure, leading to critical decisions regarding staffing and facility use.

Question

The NHS is overwhelmed; critical clinical choices are being made due to estate limitations. Will he bring independent hospitals under NHS control for crisis response and allow former health professionals to return to work even if past the three-year out of practice limit?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

All these things are being looked at. The pressures on the NHS are significant; people with healthcare conditions should come forward to receive treatment based on clinical need, not ability to pay.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not commit to specific actions such as bringing independent hospitals under NHS control or allowing former health professionals to return beyond the three-year limit.

How: Looking At This

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Q3 Jeremy Hunt Con Godalming and Ash
NHS
Context

Concerns about public expectations outpacing the system's ability to deliver vaccinations.

Question

Congratulating on the vaccine roll-out speed, what measures can be taken to manage public expectations that population-level immunity will take time?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

The Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee is correct that this will be a marathon, not a sprint. As of early morning today, 39.9% of over-80-year-olds in England have been vaccinated; we are on track to vaccinate all top priority groups by 15 February.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specific measures for managing public expectations but acknowledged the pace of the roll-out.

How: Looking At This

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Q4 Liz Kendall Lab Leicester West
NHS Social Care
Context

Concerns over infection rates in care homes, staff absence, and high care home deaths.

Question

Infection rates in care homes have tripled; staff absences up to 40%; latest weekly care home deaths highest since May. What immediate extra support can be provided for social care and will daily vaccination rates for residents/staff be published?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

We have made a commitment to vaccinate everyone in care homes; the NHS is working hard with colleagues in social care. We are always open to further support for social care, especially regarding testing to support the workforce.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not commit to publishing daily vaccination rates but acknowledged ongoing efforts and willingness to provide more support.

How: Looking At This

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Q5 Jonathan Gullis
NHS
Context

Excitement over a planned mass vaccination centre in Stoke-on-Trent North, with work done by the local council.

Question

In Stoke-on-Trent North, we have a planned mass vaccination centre. Can you give assurances that equipment and staff will be ready for 25 January?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

I am delighted about the planned mass vaccination centre. We are working hard to ensure that all necessary equipment is in place, including specialist syringes to use every drop of vaccine efficiently.

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Q6 Alex Cunningham Lab
NHS
Context

Stockton has one of the lowest healthy life expectancies in the country and is currently experiencing a high number of COVID-19 cases, well over 10,000.

Question

The covid-19 pandemic has further exposed health inequalities in Stockton, with one of the lowest healthy life expectancies and highest case numbers. When can we have a new hospital for Stockton to tackle these issues?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

The importance of tackling health inequalities is acknowledged, and the largest hospital building programme in modern history is underway. However, no specific timeline or commitment was made for a new hospital in Stockton.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline and commitment to build a new hospital

How: Acknowledged The Importance Of Tackling Inequalities, Referenced Ongoing Programme

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Q7 Craig Whittaker Con
NHS Education
Context

Under alert level 5, schools in Calder Valley had to close temporarily. Concerns about the financial burden of rolling out coronavirus testing upon reopening.

Question

With schools having closed under alert level 5, what are the expected costs for state and independent schools to cover as they roll out coronavirus testing upon reopening?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

Extra funding through NHS Test and Trace budget is available for state schools. The Government is working with independent schools to ensure safe reopenings as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on funding amounts or coverage of costs for independent schools

How: Referenced Nhs Test And Trace Budget, Working With Independent Schools

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Q8 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
NHS
Context

English not being a first language could be a barrier to equitable vaccine distribution across all communities, especially in areas like Luton.

Question

What measures are being put in place to ensure equitable vaccine roll-out in areas with diverse populations where English is not the primary language?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

Working closely with councils, pharmacists, GPs and community leaders to promote vaccination awareness. The proportion of people enthusiastic about vaccinations has risen while hesitation has fallen.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for diverse communities

How: Promoting Vaccine Positivity, Working With Local Councils

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Q9 Antony Higginbotham
NHS
Context

In Burnley and Padiham, many individuals work in sectors such as manufacturing and construction that require physical presence. The Army's role in mass testing.

Question

What should my constituents do if they need to go to work but need access to asymptomatic testing?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

Working with Burnley and Lancashire councils, the national testing programme will provide asymptomatic testing for those required to go to work. The testing Minister will follow up directly.

Answered
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Q10 Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann
Care & Healthcare Workers NHS
Context

Frontline nurses and medics in Upper Bann are facing physical and emotional strain, with shortages exacerbated by high demand for care.

Question

To encourage more people into nursing and retain current healthcare workers, should we look at increasing their pay to reflect the skills, responsibility, and commitment required?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

In England, nursing staff pay has been increased over recent years. The Northern Ireland Administration resolved nurse pay challenges shortly after being established.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans for increasing pay in Northern Ireland

How: Acknowledging Increases In England, Referring To Ni Resolution

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Q11 Andrea Jenkyns Con
NHS
Context

Concerns from constituents about the accessibility of vaccines, especially for those who are elderly, shielding, or have limited transport options.

Question

How will local distribution be facilitated to ensure people without cars and poor public transport access can receive their vaccine?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

Vaccination centres must be within 10 miles of most residents, covering Morley and Outwood. This commitment ensures rapid and fair access to vaccines.

Answered
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Q12 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
NHS Social Care
Context

Christina McAnea was elected as the first female leader of Unison, a significant union representing NHS workers. The question is prompted by the need to address the stress and challenges faced by these workers during the pandemic.

Question

As a proud Unison member, I congratulate Christina McAnea on being elected the first female leader of the country's biggest union. Many of Unison's members effectively work for me, including care assistants, hospital porters, nurses, and cleaners, and they are now under huge stress and facing mental and physical challenges that we cannot imagine. Does he agree with Joe Biden who said to health workers: 'It's not enough to praise you. We have to protect you, we have to pay you.'

Answer from Matthew Hancock

I want to add my congratulations to Christina McAnea. The importance not only of valuing our NHS and social care workforce but of demonstrating that value is vital, and improving all the elements and conditions under which people work is important. Of course pay is one part of that, and the hon. Lady will know that the NHS was exempt from the pay freeze set out by the Chancellor, but it is also about ensuring that everybody's contribution is valued and that everybody is encouraged to give their very best contribution. In a pandemic situation like this, when the pressures on the NHS and social care are very great, that is more important than ever, and it is important that we value all of our team all the time and that everybody plays a part in improving the health of the nation and improving and saving lives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specific commitments or actions regarding protecting NHS workers, focusing instead on general statements about valuing them.

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