Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Healthcare for Women

Tuesday 5 March 2024 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Lyn Brown raised concerns about lack of pain relief during hysteroscopy procedures in NHS patients, leading to trauma and reluctance to seek further treatment.
  • The government announced measures including GP checks on new mothers' mental health within eight weeks postpartum.
  • The Secretary of State's ministerial colleague will meet with Amma Birth Companions to discuss supporting vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees during childbirth.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lyn Brown Lab
NHS Women & Equalities
Context

The hon. Member has been raising issues about hysteroscopies for over a decade and the medical establishment resisting change, while the government fails to lead on this issue.

Question

I have been raising concerns for more than a decade regarding the lack of pain relief during hysteroscopy procedures in NHS patients, leading to unnecessary trauma and reluctance to seek further treatment. Despite setting out priorities earlier this year, access to pain-free hysteroscopy was not included. Why is this?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

We are waiting for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to update their guidelines on best practice in hysteroscopies, which is under peer review. We expect clinicians to assume that a woman wants pain relief during such procedures without needing to ask.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific issue of access to pain-free hysteroscopy was not directly addressed with a concrete timeline or action plan.

How: We Are Waiting For The Rcog Guidelines

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Q2 Lyn Brown Lab
Women & Equalities Mental Health
Context

The hon. Member is chairing a national inquiry into birth trauma and has heard from mothers suffering from severe mental health conditions, including postpartum psychosis.

Question

Mothers throughout the UK are facing severe mental health issues following childbirth, such as postpartum psychosis, which can lead to suicide risk. What action is being taken to address this issue?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

Yesterday's announcement includes elements addressing concerns raised, such as GPs asking mothers within eight weeks if they are okay to open up conversations about potential struggles.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific action regarding postpartum psychosis and suicide risk was not detailed with concrete commitments or timelines.

How: We Have Announced That Gps Will Ask Mothers If They Are Okay

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Q3 Theo Clarke
Asylum & Refugees NHS
Context

Amma Birth Companions has been recognised in the GSK IMPACT awards for supporting vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees during childbirth.

Question

Amma Birth Companions is doing important work to support vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees giving birth alone. Will the Secretary of State meet this charity to discuss its research and address disparities?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

My ministerial colleague will be asked to meet the charity as we aim to support women, especially focusing on ensuring maternity services are safe and trusted by all mums-to-be.

Answered
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Q4 Alison Thewliss SNP
NHS Community Security
Context

A gynaecologist was found to be discriminatory towards Jewish patients, suspended for three months without being deemed racist.

Question

A gynaecologist who made anti-Semitic remarks and is now re-entering practice has been ruled as only uncomfortable with discriminatory language. I am concerned about his reinstatement due to potential danger to Jewish patients and the tribunal's decision being unreasonable. Will the Secretary of State instruct Government lawyers for judicial review?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I have written to NHS England and regulators setting out their responsibilities. I will be looking into this issue with great urgency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for judicial review was not directly answered with a commitment.

How: Looking Into The Issue Urgently

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Q5 Michael Ellis Con
NHS Women & Equalities Religion & Faith
Context

A gynaecologist made anti-Semitic remarks and was suspended, but not deemed racist by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

Question

A gynaecologist who claimed Hammersmith Hospital would be better “Jew free” has been ruled as merely uncomfortable with discriminatory language and is soon to resume seeing patients. I am concerned about his reinstatement due to potential danger to Jewish patients and the tribunal's decision being unreasonable. Will the Secretary of State instruct Government lawyers for judicial review?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I have written to NHS England and regulators setting out their responsibilities. I will be looking into this issue with great urgency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for judicial review was not directly answered with a commitment.

How: Looking Into The Issue Urgently

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