Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Waiting Times

Wednesday 9 November 2022 · 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

  • Tony Lloyd inquired about discussions with Cabinet colleagues and political parties in Northern Ireland regarding NHS waiting times.
  • Liz Twist questioned whether the Secretary of State would implement the summer pay award for NHS staff in Northern Ireland as requested by the outgoing Health Minister.
  • Tony Lloyd asked if there would be sufficient funding for nurse pay in Northern Ireland without industrial action, given the predicted 2% lower health budget for the next year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tony Lloyd Lab
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The question arises from the high pressure on NHS services in Northern Ireland and seeks to understand recent discussions with key stakeholders regarding potential reforms.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues and representatives of political parties in Northern Ireland on tackling NHS waiting times in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Steven Baker

We are acutely aware of the pressures facing the health service in Northern Ireland. A fully functioning devolved Government is the only way to deliver necessary reforms to transform healthcare, and we have made this point repeatedly to party leaders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for details about discussions was not addressed with concrete examples or timelines.

How: A Fully Functioning Devolved Government Is The Only Way

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

The question stems from concerns about one in four people being on an NHS waiting list in Northern Ireland, focusing specifically on the impact of staff roles. It highlights a letter from the outgoing Health Minister requesting implementation of the summer pay award due to financial constraints.

Question

Given that around one in four people in Northern Ireland are on an NHS waiting list and recognising the role of staff is vital, will he take forward the request made by the outgoing Health Minister for the Secretary of State to implement the summer pay award?

Answer from Steven Baker

The hon. Lady will know that we are deeply concerned about the state of Northern Ireland Executive's finances, and officials are working urgently with the Northern Ireland civil service to take things forward. Of course matters will be kept under review, but as health is a devolved matter, I have to say that the best way forward would be the restoration of the Executive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about implementing the pay award was not directly addressed with a concrete commitment.

How: Of Course Matters Will Be Kept Under Review, The Best Way Forward Would Be The Restoration Of The Executive

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Q3 Tony Lloyd Lab
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

Concerns arise from a significant budget reduction for health services in Northern Ireland next year, affecting nurse pay and potentially industrial actions. It references previous efforts to maintain pay comparability.

Question

Given the predicted 2% lower health budget next year compared to this year and historical efforts by Health Minister Robin Swann to ensure pay parity between nurses in Northern Ireland and England/Wales, will he guarantee that there is sufficient funding for nurse pay without industrial action?

Answer from Steven Baker

The recommendations of the independent review bodies were published in July 2022, but due to lack of an Executive decision on public sector pay, the Minister could not implement recommended pay increases. Pay parity with NHS England was restored after a strike in 2019-20, but without the Executive's presence, pay divergence has reoccurred. The UK Government provides £121 per person for the Executive for every £100 of equivalent UK Government spending to deliver public services in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a funding guarantee was not directly addressed with a clear commitment.

How: Due To Lack Of An Executive Decision On Public Sector Pay, The Best Way Forward Would Be The Restoration Of The Executive

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