Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Accountability in the Health Service

Tuesday 9 June 2026 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The NHS modernisation Bill aims to clarify and strengthen accountability, ending fragmented accountability.
  • Integrated care boards (ICBs) will be held responsible through an outcomes framework for improving access to healthcare and reducing inequalities.
  • Local health services, particularly ICBs, are responsible for involving people and driving change.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lewis Cocking Con Broxbourne
NHS Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The question addresses the need for clearer accountability within the National Health Service (NHS), specifically highlighting a lack of local accountability and responsiveness to new housing developments.

Question

What steps are being taken to improve accountability in the health service? In Broxbourne, thousands of new houses have been built but requests for additional healthcare facilities have been refused. Can you explain who will be accountable for this under the Government's new system?

Answer from Karin Smyth

The NHS modernisation Bill aims to clarify and strengthen accountability, ending fragmented accountability. Integrated care boards (ICBs) will be held responsible through an outcomes framework for improving access to healthcare and reducing inequalities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific local accountability in Broxbourne was not addressed, focusing instead on general reforms

How: Fragmented Landscape, Icbs Will Be Held Accountable

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Q2 Lewis Cocking Con Broxbourne
NHS
Context

The question continues to address the issue of local accountability within the NHS, particularly focusing on a specific case where new housing developments have not been matched with adequate healthcare facilities.

Question

We need more local accountability in the NHS. In Broxbourne we have seen thousands of new houses built, but when I and local Conservative councillors have pushed for new healthcare facilities to cope with the new demand, we have been refused. Can the Minister explain who will be accountable for that under the Government's new system?

Answer from Karin Smyth

A key part of integrated care boards (ICBs) responsibility is commissioning for their populations to improve access to healthcare and reduce inequalities. ICBs will be held accountable through the outcomes framework.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific local accountability in Broxbourne was not addressed, focusing instead on general reforms

How: Fragmented Landscape, Icbs Will Be Held Accountable

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Q3 Helena Dollimore Labour (Co-op) Hastings and Rye
NHS
Context

The question addresses a personal story of Jules Fielder, who campaigned for better awareness of lung cancer symptoms after her diagnosis was delayed. Her campaign included convincing Boots to roll out on-shelf awareness labels in the cold and flu section.

Question

Jules Fielder from Hastings was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal lung cancer after doctors missed her symptoms, mistaking them for tennis elbow. She campaigned for better early awareness of symptoms among clinicians and members of the public. Sadly, Jules passed away last month. Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to all of Jules's campaigning, and commit to continuing her vision by ensuring we use every possible avenue to raise better awareness and catch cancer earlier?

Answer from Karin Smyth

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges Jules's public service in face of adversity. The responsibility lies with local health services, particularly ICBs, to involve people and drive the change.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to continue specific awareness campaigns was not addressed, focusing instead on general involvement of local health services

How: Icbs In Particular

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