Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

District Hospitals

Tuesday 15 October 2024 · 4 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

  • Michelle Scrogham asked about the effectiveness of district hospitals in meeting local community needs, citing concerns over critical care services at Furness General Hospital.
  • Lord Darzi's report concluded that the health service is in critical condition, emphasizing the vital role of district hospitals.
  • Gregory Stafford inquired about the downsizing of services at Chase Community Hospital, noting that a new health hub is planned but the decision has been met with local concern.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michelle Scrogham Lab Barrow and Furness
NHS
Context

The effectiveness of district hospitals in providing services to local communities is under scrutiny. The question arises from concerns about the quality and accessibility of healthcare.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of district hospitals in providing services that meet the needs of local communities?

Answer from Andrew Gwynne

Lord Darzi's report concluded that the health service is in a critical condition across the country. District hospitals have a vital role to play in meeting the needs of their communities, and this Government will support them to reduce waiting times, improve urgent care, and build a neighbourhood health service.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific assessment details on district hospital effectiveness.

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Q2 Michelle Scrogham Lab Barrow and Furness
NHS
Context

Critical care services at Furness General Hospital in Barrow have been temporarily downgraded, causing significant concern for patients needing urgent care. This decision has been made by the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

Question

Critical care at Furness general hospital in Barrow has been temporarily downgraded, meaning that those in most need of the highest level of care are now exposed to potentially life-threatening delays during a 50-mile transfer on difficult roads. Will the Minister please look at this worrying decision by the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and do everything to enable the reopening of this service as soon as possible?

Answer from Andrew Gwynne

My hon. Friend is a doughty fighter for her constituents. I am aware that the decision she mentions is an interim measure made by the critical care network, the Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care board and the NHS trust. The decision will be kept under review and patients impacted will receive appropriate support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to reopening the service immediately.

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Q3 Gregory Stafford Con Farnham and Bordon
NHS
Context

Services at Chase Community Hospital in Whitehill and Bordon are being run down by the ICB despite plans for a new health hub, which is supported locally. This has caused concern about the hospital's future.

Question

Services at Chase community hospital in my constituency, in Whitehill and Bordon, are being run down by the ICB. This is based on a promise that a brand-new health hub will be built in place, which is much welcomed. It has the support of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, which owns the land, East Hampshire district council and the community, but the ICB is suffering from inertia. Can the Minister speak to the ICB and suggest that it either builds this new health hub or refurbishes and renovates the Chase community hospital?

Answer from Andrew Gwynne

I have every sympathy with the case that the hon. Gentleman has put forward. This Government want to see a shift of health services from hospital to community, but these decisions are not taken through inertia; they are taken because of the Government's inheritance from the Conservative party. We have had 14 years of running down our health services.

Not addressed: The answer did not address the specific request for action on Chase Community Hospital.

How: Blame Previous Government

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Q4 Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham
NHS
Context

The Secretary of State's decision to pause capital projects across the country has caused uncertainty for staff in hospitals nationwide. This includes concerns about when these reviews will be completed.

Question

We have heard about the challenges facing Whipps Cross hospital. The Secretary of State's decisions to pause capital projects across the country and put them under review has caused worry and uncertainty for staff in hospitals nationwide. Can he say when the review will be completed, so that we have certainty about when things will go ahead?

Answer from Andrew Gwynne

The review will be completed when all the information has been analysed. The hon. Lady should not just be a little more patient; she should be a little more apologetic for the fact that the Government found a hospital rebuilding programme that was not worth the paper it was written on, because the ultimate paper we needed—the cash—was not there.

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific timeline or commitment.

How: Blame Previous Government

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