Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS Hospital Equipment

Tuesday 19 November 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chancellor announced 1.5 billion investment in capital funding for NHS, including AI-enabled scanners.
  • Officials regularly meet Radiotherapy UK to discuss NHS equipment issues.
  • Honorable Member visited NHS England offices in Leeds to see work on an app to modernize the NHS.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tessa Munt Lib Dem Wells and Mendip Hills
NHS
Context

The NHS has been starved of capital investment, lagging 15 years behind the private sector in technology use. The question arises from a review stating fewer scanners per person than comparable countries.

Question

What recent assessment has been made on the adequacy of NHS hospital equipment? The Darzi review highlighted the poor condition of NHS equipment, with fewer scanners and outdated technology compared to other sectors.

Answer from Karin Smyth

At the Budget, Chancellor announced £1.5 billion investment in capital funding including AI-enabled scanners to address the backlog caused by outdated technology and insufficient capital investment.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Tessa Munt Lib Dem Wells and Mendip Hills
NHS
Context

£70 million has been allocated for new radiotherapy machines, but many machines will reach their end of life by the end of this year. A consistent programme of maintenance and replacement is needed.

Question

Residents in Somerset and North Somerset recognise £70 million granted for new radiotherapy machines. However, 70 machines will pass their recommended lifetime by the end of this year. Will the Minister meet Radiotherapy UK to discuss a more consistent programme?

Answer from Karin Smyth

Officials regularly meet Radiotherapy UK. The Department values its input, and if there are specific incidents, the hon. Lady can highlight them for a response.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting with Radiotherapy UK was not committed to specifically.

How: If There Are Specific Incidents That The Hon. Lady Wishes To Highlight

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Deirdre Costigan Lab Ealing Southall
NHS
Context

GPs still use pagers and hospitals communicate via fax machines, indicating a need for modernisation. The MP cites a decline under the previous government.

Question

The NHS cannot rely on outdated equipment anymore. After 14 years of decline, will the Minister commit to bringing the NHS into the 21st century?

Answer from Karin Smyth

Moving from an analogue to digital system is crucial. The hon. Friend visited colleagues at NHS England offices in Leeds, where they saw work on the app that will ensure the NHS comes into the 21st century.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment was given for modernisation beyond stating it as a goal.

How: The Hon. Friend Lays Bare An Important Issue

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email