Topical Questions 2021-01-12

2021-01-12

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
The question follows the launch of a UK vaccines delivery plan, addressing its implementation and impact.
Yesterday we launched our UK vaccines delivery plan aiming to vaccinate hundreds of thousands daily starting with the most vulnerable. 2.3 million people have been vaccinated so far. Are you making a statement on your departmental responsibilities?
Yesterday, we launched our UK vaccines delivery plan, which sets out how we will vaccinate hundreds of thousands of people every day, starting with the most vulnerable and staff in the NHS and social care. I am delighted that across the UK 2.3 million people have already been vaccinated. We are on track to deliver our commitment to offer a first dose to everyone in the most vulnerable groups by 15 February.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
The NHS is facing significant pressure, leading to critical decisions regarding staffing and facility use.
The NHS is overwhelmed; critical clinical choices are being made due to estate limitations. Will he bring independent hospitals under NHS control for crisis response and allow former health professionals to return to work even if past the three-year out of practice limit?
All these things are being looked at. The pressures on the NHS are significant; people with healthcare conditions should come forward to receive treatment based on clinical need, not ability to pay.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not commit to specific actions such as bringing independent hospitals under NHS control or allowing former health professionals to return beyond the three-year limit.
Looking At This
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Jeremy Hunt Con
Godalming and Ash
Context
Concerns about public expectations outpacing the system's ability to deliver vaccinations.
Congratulating on the vaccine roll-out speed, what measures can be taken to manage public expectations that population-level immunity will take time?
The Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee is correct that this will be a marathon, not a sprint. As of early morning today, 39.9% of over-80-year-olds in England have been vaccinated; we are on track to vaccinate all top priority groups by 15 February.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide specific measures for managing public expectations but acknowledged the pace of the roll-out.
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Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Liz Kendall Lab
Leicester West
Context
Concerns over infection rates in care homes, staff absence, and high care home deaths.
Infection rates in care homes have tripled; staff absences up to 40%; latest weekly care home deaths highest since May. What immediate extra support can be provided for social care and will daily vaccination rates for residents/staff be published?
We have made a commitment to vaccinate everyone in care homes; the NHS is working hard with colleagues in social care. We are always open to further support for social care, especially regarding testing to support the workforce.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not commit to publishing daily vaccination rates but acknowledged ongoing efforts and willingness to provide more support.
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Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Context
Excitement over a planned mass vaccination centre in Stoke-on-Trent North, with work done by the local council.
In Stoke-on-Trent North, we have a planned mass vaccination centre. Can you give assurances that equipment and staff will be ready for 25 January?
I am delighted about the planned mass vaccination centre. We are working hard to ensure that all necessary equipment is in place, including specialist syringes to use every drop of vaccine efficiently.
Assessment & feedback
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Q6 Partial Answer
Context
Stockton has one of the lowest healthy life expectancies in the country and is currently experiencing a high number of COVID-19 cases, well over 10,000.
The covid-19 pandemic has further exposed health inequalities in Stockton, with one of the lowest healthy life expectancies and highest case numbers. When can we have a new hospital for Stockton to tackle these issues?
The importance of tackling health inequalities is acknowledged, and the largest hospital building programme in modern history is underway. However, no specific timeline or commitment was made for a new hospital in Stockton.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline and commitment to build a new hospital
Acknowledged The Importance Of Tackling Inequalities Referenced Ongoing Programme
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
Under alert level 5, schools in Calder Valley had to close temporarily. Concerns about the financial burden of rolling out coronavirus testing upon reopening.
With schools having closed under alert level 5, what are the expected costs for state and independent schools to cover as they roll out coronavirus testing upon reopening?
Extra funding through NHS Test and Trace budget is available for state schools. The Government is working with independent schools to ensure safe reopenings as soon as possible.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on funding amounts or coverage of costs for independent schools
Referenced Nhs Test And Trace Budget Working With Independent Schools
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Rachel Hopkins Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Context
English not being a first language could be a barrier to equitable vaccine distribution across all communities, especially in areas like Luton.
What measures are being put in place to ensure equitable vaccine roll-out in areas with diverse populations where English is not the primary language?
Working closely with councils, pharmacists, GPs and community leaders to promote vaccination awareness. The proportion of people enthusiastic about vaccinations has risen while hesitation has fallen.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for diverse communities
Promoting Vaccine Positivity Working With Local Councils
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
In Burnley and Padiham, many individuals work in sectors such as manufacturing and construction that require physical presence. The Army's role in mass testing.
What should my constituents do if they need to go to work but need access to asymptomatic testing?
Working with Burnley and Lancashire councils, the national testing programme will provide asymptomatic testing for those required to go to work. The testing Minister will follow up directly.
Assessment & feedback
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Q10 Partial Answer
Carla Lockhart DUP
Upper Bann
Context
Frontline nurses and medics in Upper Bann are facing physical and emotional strain, with shortages exacerbated by high demand for care.
To encourage more people into nursing and retain current healthcare workers, should we look at increasing their pay to reflect the skills, responsibility, and commitment required?
In England, nursing staff pay has been increased over recent years. The Northern Ireland Administration resolved nurse pay challenges shortly after being established.
Assessment & feedback
Specific plans for increasing pay in Northern Ireland
Acknowledging Increases In England Referring To Ni Resolution
Response accuracy
Q11 Direct Answer
Context
Concerns from constituents about the accessibility of vaccines, especially for those who are elderly, shielding, or have limited transport options.
How will local distribution be facilitated to ensure people without cars and poor public transport access can receive their vaccine?
Vaccination centres must be within 10 miles of most residents, covering Morley and Outwood. This commitment ensures rapid and fair access to vaccines.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Chi Onwurah Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Context
Christina McAnea was elected as the first female leader of Unison, a significant union representing NHS workers. The question is prompted by the need to address the stress and challenges faced by these workers during the pandemic.
As a proud Unison member, I congratulate Christina McAnea on being elected the first female leader of the country's biggest union. Many of Unison's members effectively work for me, including care assistants, hospital porters, nurses, and cleaners, and they are now under huge stress and facing mental and physical challenges that we cannot imagine. Does he agree with Joe Biden who said to health workers: 'It's not enough to praise you. We have to protect you, we have to pay you.'
I want to add my congratulations to Christina McAnea. The importance not only of valuing our NHS and social care workforce but of demonstrating that value is vital, and improving all the elements and conditions under which people work is important. Of course pay is one part of that, and the hon. Lady will know that the NHS was exempt from the pay freeze set out by the Chancellor, but it is also about ensuring that everybody's contribution is valued and that everybody is encouraged to give their very best contribution. In a pandemic situation like this, when the pressures on the NHS and social care are very great, that is more important than ever, and it is important that we value all of our team all the time and that everybody plays a part in improving the health of the nation and improving and saving lives.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide specific commitments or actions regarding protecting NHS workers, focusing instead on general statements about valuing them.
Response accuracy