Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Urgent and Emergency Care

Tuesday 15 October 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Lord Darzi's report highlights that urgent and emergency care services are struggling, with 10% of patients spending over 12 hours in A&E.
  • The Minister is willing to meet Mike Tapp to discuss how to move forward with the stalled blood testing provision at Victoria Hospital.
  • The government is considering alternative models like urgent treatment centres to relieve pressure on emergency departments.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mike Tapp Lab Dover and Deal
NHS
Context

The NHS is facing challenges with A&E wait times, as highlighted by Lord Darzi's report. The latest data shows that one in 10 patients spend over 12 hours in A&E.

Question

What assessment has the Department made of the effectiveness of urgent and emergency care services?

Answer from Karin Smyth

Lord Darzi's independent report highlights that urgent and emergency care services are struggling, with recent data showing 10% of patients spending over 12 hours in A&E. The government is committed to improving service standards through its 10-year health service reform plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures or commitments to improve the current state of urgent and emergency care services beyond acknowledging the problem and referencing a long-term plan.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Mike Tapp Lab Dover and Deal
NHS
Context

Victoria hospital in Deal lost blood testing services in September 2021, leading to a local campaign. The restoration of these services is stalled in the tendering process.

Question

After a long campaign by residents, it was agreed that the blood testing provision at Victoria Hospital would return. However, this has stalled in the tendering process. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can move this forward?

Answer from Karin Smyth

I commend my hon. Friend for championing this issue on behalf of his constituents and understand that he has raised it with the chief executive officer of his local trust. While commissioning decisions are a matter for Kent and Medway ICB, I am very happy to meet him to discuss further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitment or timeline regarding moving forward with the restoration of blood testing services beyond expressing willingness to meet.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
NHS
Context

There are often over 20 ambulances queuing outside Treliske hospital, impacting patient expectations. The urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital is seen as a potential solution.

Question

Will the Minister look at the potential for urgent treatment centres to relieve pressure on emergency departments? Specifically, will she support re-establishing the 24/7 urgent treatment centre in Penzance?

Answer from Karin Smyth

We will maintain ambulance capacity throughout this winter. The local ICB needs to look at which model fits best, particularly in rural areas, to reduce pressure on frontline A&E services. Alternative models are being considered but decisions lie with the local integrated care board.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitment regarding urgent treatment centres or supporting their establishment beyond acknowledging alternatives need consideration.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Paula Barker Lab Liverpool Wavertree
NHS Housing
Context

Intermediate care can reduce rough sleeping by around 70% and significantly decrease A&E visits and emergency admissions. However, its availability is inconsistent across England.

Question

What measures exist currently to ensure the NICE approach to intermediate care for people facing homelessness is embedded in every integrated care system?

Answer from Karin Smyth

Homelessness has risen, and addressing it under Labour previously moved people off the streets with support in the community. Good examples exist nationwide; we aim to reduce homelessness by supporting health services at their front end.

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures or commitments regarding embedding the NICE approach across all integrated care systems.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Alison Bennett Lib Dem Mid Sussex
NHS Social Care
Context

Representatives from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine stated that inadequate social care leads to more presentations at emergency departments.

Question

Does the Minister agree that properly funded social care would reduce pressure on hospitals?

Answer from Karin Smyth

What we see at A&E is a result of system-wide issues. Our 10-year plan will examine patient pathways to provide community-based care and prevention, including looking at social care funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to any specific measures regarding the impact of social care funding on hospital pressure beyond acknowledging a long-term review.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email