Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Healthcare Collaboration

Wednesday 6 November 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

  • Ruth Jones asked about discussions with the Welsh Government on collaborative efforts to improve healthcare in England and Wales, noting additional funding and concerns about healthcare access and waiting lists.
  • Ruth Jones inquired about ensuring patients on both sides of the border get timely access to the best healthcare, with the response highlighting collaboration and funding to reduce NHS waiting times.
  • Robin Swann sought reassurance that the Secretary of State for Health will work with all devolved Health Ministers to ensure a national health service for mental health provision, receiving a general commitment without specific details.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
NHS Wales
Context

Discussions on collaborative efforts to improve healthcare in both countries.

Question

What discussions she is having with the Welsh Government on collaborative efforts to improve healthcare in England and Wales. Last week's spending review provided additional funding for the Welsh Government, but there are concerns about how this will impact healthcare access and waiting lists.

Answer from Jo Stevens

Cutting waiting lists is a top priority for both Governments. Last week's spending review provided the Welsh Government with an additional £1.7 billion for 2025-26, allowing them to spend more on public services like the NHS. Collaboration with ministerial colleagues in both governments aims to drive down waiting lists.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or mechanisms for cross-border healthcare collaboration were not provided

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Q2 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
NHS Wales
Context

Welcoming the new partnership, Ruth Jones inquires about the specifics of cross-border healthcare collaboration to reduce NHS waiting lists.

Question

Will the Secretary of State expand on how she will ensure that patients on both sides of the border get access to the best healthcare possible in a timely manner? The new partnership represents an opportunity for sharing best practices and reducing NHS waiting lists.

Answer from Jo Stevens

Both Governments are working collaboratively, providing a £1.75 billion boost to the Welsh Government for public services like the NHS and announcing £28 million to cut waiting times. They share best practices and consider more cross-border arrangements where capacity allows. A ministerial advisory group on NHS performance has been established.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or timelines for cross-border healthcare collaboration were not provided

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Q3 Robin Swann Ulster Unionist Party South Antrim
NHS Mental Health
Context

Concern about ensuring that all devolved Health Ministers collaborate to enhance national health service provisions, particularly for mental health.

Question

Can she reassure me that the Secretary of State for Health will work with all the devolved Health Ministers to ensure a truly national health service for mental health provision?

Answer from Jo Stevens

The Health and Social Care Secretary wants to ensure that the NHS across all four nations is fit for the future. No specifics or commitments were given beyond this general statement.

Not addressed: No specific commitment was made regarding collaboration for mental health services across devolved regions

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Q4 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
NHS Wales
Context

GP funding has decreased by over 2.6% since 2005, leading to staffing issues at surgeries like Treflan in Pwllheli which faces an extra £19,000 cost due to Budget measures.

Question

The Secretary of State for Wales knows the state of the NHS in Wales and the impact of funding cuts on GP surgeries. Why is she instrumental in Labour at both ends of the M4 threatening GP surgeries?

Answer from Jo Stevens

We are not threatening GP surgeries and view the £1.7 billion additional funding for NHS in Wales as a great idea. No alternative proposals were suggested by the Secretary of State to address the specific issues raised about GP funding cuts.

Not addressed: No detailed explanation or reassurance was provided regarding how the new funding addresses concerns about GP surgeries being threatened by budget changes

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