Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Health and Care System: Women’s Experience

Wednesday 24 November 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions addressed women's experience in health and the care system.
  • The Government launched a call for evidence in March, receiving nearly 100,000 responses from women.
  • The Government convened an independent expert panel to review evidence on hymenoplasty.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
NHS Women & Equalities
Context

The MP noted the need for better comprehension of women's experiences within health services. She referenced a call for evidence by the government to gather feedback.

Question

If she will take steps with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to improve understanding of women's experience of health and the health and care system, noting that nearly 100,000 responses have been gathered through a call for evidence in March this year which will inform England's first-ever women's health strategy.

Answer from Maria Caulfield

Improving our understanding of women's experience of health and the health service is a key priority for this Government. That is why in March this year we launched a call for evidence asking women to tell us about their experience. We had nearly 100,000 responses, which we are working through now and which will form the baseline of England's first-ever women's health strategy.

Answered
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Q2 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Women & Equalities
Context

The MP highlighted the recent UK-wide ban on virginity testing through the Health and Care Bill, but noted that banning hymenoplasty is also crucial.

Question

Will the Minister use her good offices to ensure that the Government introduce amendments in another place to ban hymenoplasty and then encourage other countries around the world to stop these practices worldwide, given that yesterday this House passed a UK-wide ban on virginity testing through the Health and Care Bill?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

I am sure that all Members across this House will welcome the Government's amendment yesterday to ban virginity testing. The evidence for a ban on hymenoplasty is mixed, so the Government have convened an independent expert panel to review all the evidence and look carefully at the issues, and that will report back to Ministers before Christmas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister avoided providing a direct commitment to introduce amendments for banning hymenoplasty.

How: Looking At This

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Q3 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
NHS
Context

It is HIV Testing Week in Wales, and the MP highlighted free home testing availability through Frisky Wales. She questioned why some areas of England lack this service.

Question

Will the Minister work with her Cabinet colleagues to follow where Wales leads and ensure that everyone in England can get access to a free HIV test kit if they wish to, noting that it is HIV Testing Week in Wales?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

The hon. Lady raises an important issue. Free testing is available across the NHS in England, and same-day test results are often possible. I will look at the specific issue of home testing kits, because it is important that everyone who needs a test has access to it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to ensuring availability across England but said she would look into the issue.

How: Working With Partners

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Q4 Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North
NHS
Context

The MP highlighted the importance of retaining qualified, experienced midwives, especially during pregnancy care. She cited a constituent's concerns about midwife retention.

Question

What is my hon. Friend doing to make sure that qualified, experienced midwives stay working at the frontline where we need them, noting that one of the times that women most engage with healthcare services is when they are pregnant?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

I thank my right hon. Friend for raising this important issue. Maternity care is a top priority for the Government, and earlier this year NHS England announced a £95 million recurrent funding package to support the recruitment of 1,200 midwives and 100 consultant obstetricians. Maintaining both the skill mix and the numbers is key to retaining experienced midwives, who often have to take the pressure when there are staff shortages.

Answered
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