Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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The NHS faces challenges in reducing inequalities in health, with certain areas experiencing worse outcomes.
What steps are being taken by the Department to help reduce inequalities in health outcomes?
This Labour Government were elected to build an NHS fit for the future. As Secretary of State, I am accelerating modernisation, but health inequalities start long before people access the NHS, so our focus on prevention in the 10-year health strategy is crucial.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions and initiatives not fully detailed
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Funding for neighbourhood health services is getting caught up in ICB management structures.
How can the Government ensure that neighbourhood funding does not get held up by ICBs and flows to where it has the highest impact?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Funding must not be held up; it must get to the frontline to help patients, his constituents and people across the country. We are supporting ICBs to work differently with providers to identify and meet the needs of their communities on a new population-based approach. We are also reviewing the outdated GP formula for the distribution of funding to ensure that, for the first time in two decades, it will accurately reflect need and ensure that deprived communities get their fair share.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Residents of the most deprived parts of Swindon have to travel across town for access to healthcare.
What is being done to address the issue of residents having to travel across town for healthcare?
My hon. Friend is right to point to the fact that the current model of care works least well for some of those experiencing the greatest disadvantage. I am pleased that we have joint commissioning arrangements of more than £28 million in place between the NHS and Swindon borough council, which will help to tackle issues for those most at risk.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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There is a 20-year gap in healthy life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas.
How will the Government address this issue by targeting less active groups?
I look forward to working constructively with the hon. Lady in her role as the Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee. She is absolutely right to point to the importance of embedding prevention and healthier lifestyles in the way that we approach healthcare in this country.
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Specific measures not detailed
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Q5
Partial Answer
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The closure of Zachary Merton hospital was controversial, with statutory requirements for consultation not met.
When can residents expect a decision on the call-in request regarding the hospital?
I thank the hon. Lady for raising the situation in her constituency. For all of us as MPs, our first job is to raise matters that pertain to our constituents, and healthcare is among the most important services that they receive. I will ask my team to look further into the points that she raises and get back to her.
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Specific timeline not provided
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Children's access to state-funded healthcare should be based on clinical need, not economic or educational status.
Does the Secretary of State agree that state-funded healthcare should be provided to all children based on clinical need?
It is an essential part of our NHS and its founding principles that the NHS is available to all on the basis of need, not their ability to pay. That is a fundamental principle that we in the Labour party support.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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There are reports that some children are being denied NHS services because they attend private schools.
Does the Secretary of State share concerns about such reports and will he look into them?
I am surprised by the hon. Lady's remarks, because where a child goes to school should have no bearing on their ability to access NHS services. If she would like to write to me with further details, I would be happy to look into that matter.
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Specific investigation timeline not provided
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Q8
Partial Answer
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The previous Secretary of State recognised a culture of medical misogyny within the NHS, highlighting discrepancies in women's health strategy compared to men's. The men's health strategy received 60% more funding for new initiatives with specific commitments and research mandates.
I am concerned that the new women's health strategy lacks important elements present in the men's health strategy, such as a named academic network, formal research mandate aligned with the NIHR, specific funding to trials and pathfinders, and measurable time-bound targets for reducing backlogs in endometriosis care. Why does the NHS 10-year plan not include prevention goals for conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome or fibroids?
The renewed women's health strategy was an important achievement under the previous Secretary of State, reflecting Government approach and differences in healthcare received by women. Women have raised concerns about inadequate listening to their pain and pathways for treatment. This must change.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding amounts, measurable time-bound targets, research mandates, and prevention goals were not addressed.
Since I Have Become Secretary Of State
One Issue That Many Women Have Raised With Me
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