Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Health and Social Care Reform

Tuesday 23 July 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sean Woodcock (Labour) asked the Minister about plans to discuss NHS reform with staff and patients and raised concerns about whistleblowing issues in Banbury.
  • Sean Woodcock (Labour) inquired if the Minister could ensure English people receive the same health funding as those in Scotland, highlighting the need for significant funding and staff engagement for health and social care integration.
  • John Whittingdale (Conservative) asked if Ministers would confirm intentions to open cross-party talks on health and social care reform, including the potential option of free personal care.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sean Woodcock Lab Banbury
NHS
Context

The question follows an initial query about NHS reform, specifically addressing the need for discussions with frontline staff and patients to shape a 10-year plan.

Question

I ask whether he plans to hold discussions with NHS staff and patients on his plans for reforming NHS health and social care services. I note that in my constituency of Banbury, issues such as whistleblowing among hospital staff remain unaddressed and there are threats against those who speak out. The voices of frontline workers should not be silenced; we need a regulatory body with oversight over medical managers to ensure accountability.

Answer from Andrew Gwynne

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have previously said that bank managers are more regulated than NHS managers. This Labour Government will pursue an agenda of greater accountability, transparency and candour when it comes to those making managerial and executive decisions in our national health service.

Partly answered
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Q2 Sean Woodcock Lab Banbury
NHS Social Care
Context

The question addresses the integration of health and social care services, highlighting a need for sufficient funding. The Scottish National Party's representative points out that health is funded £323 more per head in Scotland than in England.

Question

I ask if the Minister can commit to ensuring English people enjoy the same health funding as those in Scotland, given that health and social care integration requires significant funding and staff engagement. Will he make this commitment?

Answer from Andrew Gwynne

I welcome the hon. Gentleman back to the House, but I politely say to him that he needs to be a little bit patient. There will be some announcements in the near future on this Government's plans for social care. He should rest assured that we on the Labour Benches understand the integration agenda. We understand the need to fix both the NHS and social care.

Not addressed: Commitment to funding increase

How: Patient

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Q3 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Social Care
Context

The question is about the implementation of the Dilnot reforms, particularly focusing on a cap on social care costs. The previous government's handling of these issues is also referenced.

Question

I congratulate the Minister and his Front-Bench colleagues on their appointments. I welcome the suggestion that the Government are considering the possibility of a royal commission on social care and intend to address the issue on a cross-party basis, but that will take time. Can the Minister confirm that they will take forward the Dilnot reforms as was suggested during the election campaign?

Answer from Andrew Gwynne

It was, of course, the right hon. Gentleman's Government who kicked the can down the road on these issues. They allowed the system to spend the transformation money that had been provided precisely for the purpose of the Dilnot reforms on fixing their broken national health service. He should just be a little bit patient, as we will announce our proposals for social care shortly.

Not addressed: Commitment to implementing Dilnot reforms

How: Kicking The Can Down The Road, Patient

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Q4 John Whittingdale Con Maldon
Social Care Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The question concerns cross-party discussions regarding the introduction of free personal care, which was a key pledge during the general election campaign.

Question

I ask if Ministers will confirm whether they intend to open cross-party talks and, if so, whether free personal care will be on the table as one potential option. This is in line with our Liberal Democrat commitment during the election.

Answer from Andrew Gwynne

I thank the hon. Lady for the way in which the Liberal Democrats approached the issue of health and social care during the election campaign. We will work with all in the House who want to fix our broken health and social care system. Of course we will work collegiately across parties, and all issues relating to how we fix our broken social care system will be discussed.

Partly answered

How: Collegiately

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Q5 Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans
NHS
Context

The question compares the NHS funding in England with that of Scotland, noting a £323 higher allocation per person in Scotland.

Question

I ask if the Minister can commit to ensuring English people enjoy the same health funding as those in Scotland. In 2012, we integrated health and social care in Scotland but it has been difficult due to insufficient funding. Health in Scotland is funded £323 more per head than in England.

Answer from Andrew Gwynne

I welcome the hon. Gentleman back to the House, but I politely say to him that he needs to be a little bit patient. There will be some announcements in the near future on this Government's plans for social care. He should rest assured that we on the Labour Benches understand the integration agenda and the need to fix both the NHS and social care.

Not addressed: Commitment to funding increase

How: Patient

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