NHS Capacity

Answer from Sajid Javid

We have worked with the NHS to expand virtual wards and establish a new national discharge taskforce to safely maximise patient discharge and free up beds. We have also announced a delivery plan for tackling the covid-19 backlog of elective care, which sets out our clear vision for how an additional £8 billion will be spent over the next three years to help the NHS recover and expand elective services.

Answer from Sajid Javid

I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend. We continue to invest in the workforce through our 50,000-person expansion in the nurse programme, and we already have 44,000 more full-time employees in healthcare settings than we had this time last year, including 4,600 more doctors and 11,100 more nurses.

Answer from Sajid Javid

The hon. Lady is right to raise this matter. Just days ago I met the head of the West Midlands ambulance service to discuss issues and how extra funding over the winter—£55 million for ambulance services—is helping.

Answer from Sajid Javid

We expect waiting lists to rise before they fall due to 10 million people staying away during the pandemic. The NHS will increase activity with new ways and new funding. Integration between the NHS and social care is essential, detailed in last week's White Paper.

Answer from Sajid Javid

In the last year, 44,000 more people are working in healthcare settings including 11,100 more nurses and nearly 5,000 doctors. I have asked the NHS to work on a long-term workforce plan over 15 years.

Answer from Sajid Javid

I will of course meet my hon. Friend. Over winter the Government provided an additional £250 million for primary care services, which has helped increase face-to-face appointments despite challenges posed by omicron wave.