Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Waiting Lists

Wednesday 11 September 2024 · 2 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

  • Jerome Mayhew asked the Minister about discussions with the Welsh Government on NHS waiting lists.
  • The Minister stated that the NHS in Wales faces unique challenges and the UK Government is committed to working closely with the Welsh Government to improve waiting times.
  • Jerome Mayhew highlighted that the cancer treatment target rate in Wales is significantly lower and worse than in England.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
NHS Wales
Context

The MP is inquiring about the discussions held with the Welsh Government regarding NHS waiting times.

Question

What discussions has she had with the Welsh Government on NHS waiting lists?

Answer from Jo Stevens

We recognise that the NHS in Wales faces unique challenges, and we are committed to working closely with the Welsh Government to improve NHS waiting times. Our approach is grounded in the belief that public services, such as healthcare, should not just be fit for purpose today, but be robust and resilient for the future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details of discussions and concrete plans to improve waiting times were not provided

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Q2 Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham
NHS Wales
Context

The MP is concerned about the lower cancer treatment target rate of 75% in Wales compared to 85% in England, highlighting that the current rate stands at only 56.7%. He questions why Welsh Labour is underperforming.

Question

Treating cancer early is critical for survival rates. In England, the target is to have 85% of patients treated within 62 days. In Wales, that target is more generous; it is just 75%, yet it has never been achieved. The current rate is an appalling 56.7%, much worse than the equivalent figure in England. Why is it that Welsh Labour is underperforming England? Is it really still the blueprint for Government?

Answer from Jo Stevens

More people in Wales have been told that they do not have cancer than ever before, and that is good news. Performance increased against the 62-day target for treatment in June compared with the previous month, and over the past two years, the number of patients waiting longer than two years has reduced. Average waits for treatment remain steady.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific reasons for underperformance and lack of concrete commitments to improve cancer treatment rates were not addressed

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