Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There have been power outages at Eastbourne district general hospital that left operations and birth services suspended. The hospital submitted a strategic bid for over £10 million to the estates safety fund which was rejected.
Following power outages at Eastbourne district general hospital that left operations and birth services suspended, hospital bosses submitted a strategic bid for more than £10 million to the estates safety fund to urgently fix the problem, which was rejected. How does the Secretary of State expect our hospital to provide consistent and safe care to patients if the power goes out?
I am aware of the issues at Eastbourne district general hospital. Patients, staff and visitors deserve better than power cuts and electrical failures, which is why this Government have set out a credible and deliverable plan to deliver the new hospitals programme. I would gently remind the hon. Gentleman and his constituents that many of the problems that the NHS estate faces today stem from its being starved of £37 billion of capital investment in the 2010s, when the Lib Dems were in government.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue about power outages and rejected funding request was not directly addressed. Instead, the answerer referenced broader issues with NHS estate.
Referencing Past Failures
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
One of the biggest barriers to accessing community healthcare in Bracknell Forest is constituents not being able to get routine diagnostic procedures done locally.
One of the biggest barriers to accessing community healthcare in Bracknell Forest is constituents not being able to get routine diagnostic procedures done at their local GP or health centre, and instead having to travel. One constituent with cancer was told that he had to go to Guildford for a simple blood test. How will the introduction of a single patient record help to break down some of those barriers?
The single patient record will give clinicians timely access to a single trusted record so that decisions can be made more efficiently, avoiding duplication, allowing them to spend more time with patients. The system makes all information on a patient accessible in a single place and will allow the sharing of patient data among different settings, as my hon. Friend outlines, and provide more flexibility in where services are made available.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State was in the Treasury when it imposed VAT on compassionate access medicine programmes, which provide some patients—especially children with cancer—with a vital last chance to access treatment. The policy has already led to the closure of one scheme.
I begin by welcoming the Secretary of State and the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the hon. Member for Birmingham Edgbaston (Preet Kaur Gill), to their places. The Secretary of State was in the Treasury when it imposed VAT on compassionate access medicine programmes, which provide some patients—especially children with cancer—with a vital last chance to access treatment. The policy has already led to the closure of one scheme. Will he now commit to abolishing this tax before any more follow suit?
One thing I learned when I was in the Treasury is that decisions about tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, so I am certainly not going to start taking decisions about taxation in my new role at the Dispatch Box today. The broader point is how important it is to ensure that we have the medicines that we need for the future. That is why this Government are investing so much in research, development and innovation, to ensure that we have the drugs and medicines we need for the healthiest possible population in the future.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue about VAT on compassionate access medicine programmes was not directly addressed. Instead, the answerer talked about broader issues of investment in research and innovation.
Changing Subject
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous answer was perceived as insufficient.
I am sorry, but that was simply waffle. This matter needs decisive action now; these drugs are absolutely critical to some children. This cancer drugs tax has already closed one scheme, and companies are making real-time decisions now about whether to continue programmes in the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State must urgently get the Treasury to exempt compassionate use medicines permanently, so that the patients in most need can get these vital drugs, which, in some cases, are simply their only hope.
I have explained the position about decisions on tax. More broadly, it is critical that we have the medicines of the future that we need. One of my very first visits as Secretary of State for Health was to a company that is using AI to determine new opportunities for medicines and drugs to tackle cancers and some of the other illnesses that people face. Making sure that we are investing in businesses—British businesses—to drive that innovation is crucial, not just to the future health of our country but to economic growth.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue about VAT on compassionate use medicines was not directly addressed. Instead, the answerer talked about broader issues of investment in research and innovation.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Ellis Lake, a six-year-old diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, which is treatable if diagnosed early. His parents are campaigning for newborn screening for the disease.
At the age of six, Ellis Lake was diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, which is treatable if diagnosed early. His parents Tracy and Luke are campaigning for newborn screening for the disease. The UK National Screening Committee did not recommend screening in its last review of the condition, but it did outline that it was gathering more evidence. Will the Minister look at how the process can be expedited?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that very important matter. My sympathy is with the Lake family, and I commend them for their advocacy on this issue. I am acutely aware of the matter, having met the hon. Member for Upper Bann (Carla Lockhart) and her constituents about this issue last week, in a very moving meeting. I assure my hon. Friend that the Department is working with partners to see whether it is possible to set up a multi-condition evaluation, so that not only MLD but other rare conditions can be assessed alongside the existing screening programmes.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue about expediting newborn screening for metachromatic leukodystrophy was not directly addressed. Instead, the answerer referenced broader considerations of multi-condition evaluation and assessment.
Referencing Broader Context
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
A Royal College of Emergency Medicine report estimates that more than 15,800 deaths were associated with long waits in emergency departments in 2025. The government promised to publish reliable data on long waits and corridor care by the end of May.
A damning report by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has estimated that more than 15,800 deaths were associated with long waits in emergency departments in 2025—I think we all agree that figure is an outrage—but the Government still have not published reliable data on long waits and corridor care despite promising to do so by the end of May. Will the Secretary of State tell the House what the Government are trying to hide? Will they adopt Liberal Democrat calls to end corridor care within a year by freeing up beds throughout hospitals and in social care to end the blight of excess deaths in overcrowded accident and emergency departments?
Let me be clear that corridor care is unacceptable and undignified and we are committed to eradicating it. We have begun by getting specialist teams to go into the worst offending trusts to ensure that we are getting rid of corridor care in those places. The NHS now has a national definition of corridor care for the first time ever. We will publish data on that shortly, because the first step in getting a grip of the problem is to be open and transparent about its scale.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or concrete action plan not provided; only committed to eradicating corridor care without details on how this will happen within a year
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The King's Speech did not contain anything on social care despite a manifesto commitment for a national care service. The Casey review is expected in 2028, with implementation estimated to take up to 2036.
We all know that social care is in crisis, with huge staff shortages, unmet needs and councils' finances being pushed to the brink, so it is disappointing that the King's Speech did not contain anything on social care. Given that the full Casey review is not expected until 2028 and that implementation is estimated to take up to 2036, what steps is the Minister taking now to alleviate pressures in the system? Will the Government expedite social care reforms so that we can meet our manifesto commitment on a national care service?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the work she did formerly as a care worker. The Government inherited a social care system in desperate need of reform. We are taking action, including by providing over £4.6 billion of extra funding for adult social care by 2028-29 and developing the first ever fair pay agreement for care workers. Baroness Casey will submit her first report this year with recommendations on the further action we should take to move towards a national care service.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide immediate steps being taken; only committed to actions in future and provided funding information without addressing current issues
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Numbers accessing NHS dentists are falling in South Gloucestershire, with less than a third of adults and half the number of children having seen an NHS dentist in the past two years.
Despite numbers accessing NHS dentists rising nationally, in South Gloucestershire they are falling, where less than a third of adults and half the number of children have been seen by an NHS dentist in the past two years. With no NHS dentists taking on patients and more going private, how will the Government reverse that decline?
As I said earlier to the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Lisa Smart), the fundamental long-term reform of the dental contract is vital to incentivising dentists to do NHS dentistry. I am pleased by how we have really put downward pressure on the underspend. As a result of that, we are on track to deliver more than 2.5 million extra dental treatments than in the same period before the general election.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific measures for South Gloucestershire; only provided information about national efforts and statistics without addressing local issues
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Purbeck expressed concern that a shift away from routine check-ups could mean that many living with Parkinson's will not regularly see an experienced practitioner.
I recently held a health roundtable in Purbeck and heard volunteers from Parkinson's UK make it clear that more needs to be done so that all those living with the illness receive the robust support they need. There was particular concern that a shift away from routine check-ups could mean that many will not regularly see an experienced practitioner. Will the Minister work with me to ensure that the voices of people living with Parkinson's are listened to and their concerns acted upon when any changes are made to the care they receive?
People with Parkinson's disease should receive support tailored to their individual needs, as symptoms and progression vary. The NHS provides specialist multidisciplinary NHS care informed by guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and improvement programmes such as Getting It Right First Time. People with Parkinson's will benefit from our wider work to strengthen community services, reduce waiting times and improve co-ordinated, person-centred care closer to home. I assure my hon. Friend that the Department will continue to meet regularly with Parkinson's UK to ensure that their voices are heard.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific concerns about routine check-ups; only mentioned general support and ongoing consultations
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Byfleet lost its doctor's surgery in 2005, leaving residents having to struggle via the A2245 to access basic health facilities.
Byfleet, in my constituency, lost its doctor's surgery in 2005, leaving residents having to struggle via the A2245 to access basic health facilities, which are set to get busier due to a likely housing development. Will the Minister agree to meet me to ensure that we can bring health facilities back to Byfleet?
Importantly, we have the £102 million utilisation and modernisation fund to enable more GP primary care estate. We have also committed to delivering 120 more neighbourhood health centres by the end of this Parliament, so I hope that the hon. Gentleman's integrated care board has put in an expression of interest for that scheme. I am, of course, prepared to discuss that with him further.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to meeting; only mentioned funds and commitment to deliver health centres but no specific action related to Byfleet
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
There is overwhelming evidence that marketised health systems increase health inequalities.
There is overwhelming evidence that marketised health systems, as the NHS has become, increase health inequalities. Will the Health Secretary consider amendments to the Health Bill that will tackle the rising inequalities in existing health policies, including allowing local NHS organisations to determine if they need additional private sector capacity?
I commend my hon. Friend for her experience in this area. She tempts me to look at amendments in that space, but we do not have plans for that at the moment. The changes we made to NHS England placed the responsibility regarding health inequalities in all our policies firmly at the Secretary of State's door. I am happy to talk to my hon. Friend about her other ideas on that. The Bill transfers that responsibility to the Secretary of State and we have no plans to make any changes in that area.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to considering amendments or making changes; only mentioned looking at them but without concrete action
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Thousands of people in West Sussex are unable to access an NHS dentist, with many unable to secure an appointment for years.
Thousands of people in West Sussex are unable to access an NHS dentist and many constituents in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton tell me that they have been unable to secure an appointment for years. What specific steps is the Secretary of State taking to increase NHS dental capacity in coastal communities, and when does he expect patients to see a measurable improvement?
As I have said to hon. Members across the House today, there is a fundamental challenge around the dental contract. Units of dental activity do not work as a way of incentivising dentists to do NHS dentistry, so that, fundamentally, has to be fixed. I am proud that, thanks to the measures that we have put in place, 2.5 million additional courses of treatment have been delivered, compared with the same period before the general election.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address steps for coastal communities specifically; only mentioned national efforts and statistics without addressing local concerns
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP witnessed a transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure that significantly improved patient outcomes.
Last year I had the opportunity to witness a transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure, which is a groundbreaking procedure for people who require valve changes. The patient was 82 and bedbound but fit enough to be discharged later that day after the surgery. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that NHS systems identify patients and treat them?
I am aware of my hon. Friend's significant work in this policy area, and she is absolutely right about the huge potential of TAVIs. Rising national TAVI activity and improved “Getting it right first time” pathways are part of our approach to reduce health inequalities and support more timely, equitable care. Through that work, the Government are committed to strengthening consistency in the diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease, building on progress already made.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or timeline for identifying patients and treating them for TAVIs
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The relocation of Frimley Park hospital is a £1.8 billion project, but none of the costs for essential infrastructure have been costed or budgeted.
The relocation of Frimley Park hospital in my constituency is a £1.8 billion project, but none of the costs of the essential infrastructure to enable the new site to go ahead have been costed or budgeted for. The chief executives of the hospital simply said that those costs will have to come from the contingency fund. Does the Secretary of State agree that this is no way to start a project of such size, scale and significance, and will he meet me to address these concerns?
The hon. Gentleman is persistent in raising this issue—he has also raised it with me in the lunch queue. It clearly matters to him, and indeed to hon. Friends on my side of the House—
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Assessment & feedback
Changed subject without addressing the specific concern about cost budgeting
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
An all-party parliamentary group is conducting an inquiry into endometriosis in the workplace.
On Thursday I will chair the all-party parliamentary group on endometriosis's first evidence session of our inquiry into endometriosis in the workplace. We will look at the experiences of women living with the condition and at the lack of timely treatment for chronic symptoms and how this impacts them in the workplace. Will the Secretary of State commit to reviewing our recommendations, once they are published later this year?
I commend my hon. Friend for her great work and that of the APPG in highlighting the importance of endometriosis and the impact it can have. We would be delighted to continue our close engagement with her and the APPG on this topic. We will consider the APPG's findings carefully when they are published, as part of our ongoing work to improve diagnosis, treatment and support for women with endometriosis.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit explicitly to reviewing recommendations when published
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Q16
Partial Answer
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Epsom and St Helier hospitals need urgent funding for repairs due to ventilation issues.
Epsom and St Helier hospitals need urgent funding now, not just patchwork repairs. In 2024, 600 operations were cancelled due to ventilation issues and the situation is only going to get worse. Will the Minister address the backlog of hospital repairs now to ensure that patients and staff have safe and modern facilities in Epsom and Saint Helier hospitals?
Under this Government, we have increased capital investment in our NHS estates, including hospitals. Under the previous Government, that was sorely lacking, which stored up the problems we are experiencing today. There is a huge amount that we need to invest in, to ensure that the NHS is fit for the future, but we also need to reform the service, which is why modernising the NHS is a key priority for me and this Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Discussed investment generally without addressing urgent funding needs at specific hospitals
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Blackpool had the worst 12-hour A&E waiting times, but they have improved by 43%.
At the beginning of the year, Blackpool had the worst 12-hour A&E waiting times in the country, but thanks to the tireless work of local NHS staff, that has been reduced by 43%. However, we face some of the biggest challenges in the country with health inequalities, deprivation and the 21 million visitors that come every year. Will the Secretary of State agree to meet me and the chief executive officer of our hospital to talk about what support we can get to bring these numbers down so that residents in Blackpool can get the care they need?
I am very happy to work with my hon. Friend to tackle health inequalities in his area. As he rightly highlights, our investment in the NHS and in the wider health of the nation is specifically about tackling health inequalities such as those that he raises, which affect the life chances of his constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a specific meeting with the MP and CEO
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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The crisis in social care is particularly bad on the Isle of Wight due to unique geography and reduced funding.
The crisis in social care is particularly bad in my constituency on the Isle of Wight, partly because of our unique geography but also because the Government have reduced funding to our local authority. Our council is now looking at discharging patients to the mainland, away from family and friends, which is completely unacceptable. Will the Government recognise our unique challenges as an English island and help provide a social care solution that recognises the challenges we face?
The hon. Member and I have discussed this issue, and I absolutely recognise the need to ensure that social care is provided in the most convenient way possible to his constituents and as close as possible to home. Obviously we are fixing a broken system, but we have delivered £4.6 billion more in funding, we are delivering the fair pay agreement, and we are working hard to ensure that we get adult social care back on its feet and fit for the future.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific recognition or solution for Isle of Wight's unique challenges
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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The opening of the Great Sutton medical centre highlights the need for urgent upgrades in Ellesmere Port town center.
My constituents were delighted to see the opening of the Great Sutton medical centre, but it has brought into sharp focus the need for an urgent upgrade of GP practices in Ellesmere Port town centre. I have submitted an expression of interest to the neighbourhood centre programme, and I wonder whether the Minister would agree to meet me to discuss that further.
I am delighted that my hon. Friend has submitted that expression of interest. We are now assessing proposals against criteria that include: a fit with our national neighbourhood health strategy; sound estate planning; deliverability; sustainability; and, critically, local need. We will be prioritising areas where there is low life expectancy and higher deprivation. I would be delighted to meet him to talk about his expression of interest and about our programme for revolutionising care in our country through the shift from hospital to community.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit explicitly to meeting regarding specific upgrades
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Unpaid carers are under significant strain and need more respite care. They often face barriers due to gender and age.
Unpaid carers play a crucial role in supporting people who need social care but they are under immense strain and need more support, especially women and older individuals. Does the Minister recognise the urgent need for more respite care for unpaid carers, and will he take action to provide it now?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that unpaid carers are vital to our care system, and we pay tribute to their compassion. I was pleased to accompany the Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade to launch a new paid carer's leave consultation document yesterday. I also chair a cross-ministerial group producing an action plan addressing respite care issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Immediate action to provide respite care was not specifically addressed
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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The Supreme Court overturned the Cheshire West judgment on the Mental Capacity Act, causing significant concern in the sector caring for people with learning disabilities or autism.
Last week, the Supreme Court overturned the Cheshire West ruling on the Mental Capacity Act 2005. There is considerable worry that without further clarification, vulnerable individuals may be at risk due to uncertainty over consent to deprivation of liberty. Will the Secretary of State listen to calls for urgent guidance?
I can assure my hon. Friend that we respect the Supreme Court's ruling and are considering it carefully, preparing to issue updated guidance shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or action plan was provided
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Waiting times for cataract surgeries in the constituency are rising due to changes by the local ICB and its AI system, including discontinuing contracts with Specsavers.
The local Integrated Care Board (ICB) has stopped offering services through all providers, scrapped contracts with Specsavers, meaning only GPs can diagnose cataract issues. Will the Minister review this issue and intervene to ensure a wider range of service providers?
The hon. Gentleman is correct that effective cooperation between high street optometrists and secondary care is vital. I am pleased to announce a £20 million investment in e-referrals and the development of a single point of access for digital interface improvements.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific local intervention was mentioned
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
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Context
High-intensity fitness apps can lead to addiction, particularly for individuals with low body mass index or eating disorders. The questioner's inquiry about implementing access limitation tools was dismissed.
App-based fitness classes can lead to addiction due to high intensity and frequency, especially affecting those with low BMI or eating disorders. Will the Secretary of State review whether mandatory access limitations could be implemented in such apps?
My hon. Friend raises a critical issue, especially with modern device features. I will look into it further and discuss it with him in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific review or commitment was given
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
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Scotland has implemented the Tommy's graded model of miscarriage care, a patient charter for women suffering from miscarriages.
Scotland is the first in the UK to implement a miscarriage patient charter based on the Tommy's model. Will the new Secretary of State consider replicating this system across the rest of the UK?
The hon. Gentleman raises a sensitive and important issue regarding support for women who suffer miscarriages and their families, ensuring proper NHS provision.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific replication plans were mentioned
Response accuracy
Q25
Partial Answer
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High levels of deprivation and health inequality exist in Dudley, prompting the questioner to campaign for a healthcare hub on the high street.
With high levels of deprivation and health inequality in Dudley, will the Minister meet me to discuss leveraging the 10-year plan to reduce inequalities, and does he agree we need a healthcare hub on the high street?
My hon. Friend is a strong advocate for her constituency, and I agree that high street accessibility of healthcare services is crucial. We aim to deliver 250 neighbourhood health centres by 2030, including 120 within the next ten years.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific meeting was committed to
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
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The questioner requests a meeting regarding his parents, carers and babies Bill aimed at supporting Best Start family hubs and healthy babies programme.
May I arrange a meeting to discuss my parents, carers and babies Bill which supports the Best Start family hubs and healthy babies programme?
We are committed to supporting families with young children through investments in Best Start family hubs and the healthy babies programme. We will invest over £900 million, and I look forward to discussing the merits of the right hon Gentleman's Bill.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific meeting commitment was given
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
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Context
There are half a million coeliac sufferers in the UK, but there is little understanding of the condition, which is underdiagnosed.
There are half a million coeliac sufferers in the UK, but there is little understanding of the condition, which is massively underdiagnosed. Can I invite everyone here—even you, Mr Speaker—to the drop-in session that I am doing on Tuesday 16 June with the campaign? In particular, can the campaign have a follow-up meeting with the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Washington and Gateshead South (Mrs Hodgson), as she has been a long-standing advocate for the campaign and gets it?
It is welcome that my hon. Friend and constituency neighbour has raised this matter in the Chamber, drawing it to the attention of many Members on both sides of the House. I do not want to speak on behalf of my fellow Minister, but I am getting a nod from her—we will be happy to pick this up with my hon. Friend in future.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to follow-up meeting lacking
Response accuracy