NHS Capacity for Winter 2020-21 2020-11-17
2020-11-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the NHS's ability to handle increased patient loads during winter 2020-21.
What steps his Department is taking to increase NHS capacity for winter 2020-21. The £3 million announced to increase winter capacity in Dudley is hugely welcome, but will my hon. Friend also look at Dudley's bids for capital funding for a hybrid theatre and reconfiguration of critical care? Will he join me on a visit to Russells Hall, so that he can see the transformative effect that those projects would have on care for patients in Dudley South?
The Prime Minister has announced £3 billion to support NHS capacity this winter, including £450 million of capital funding to upgrade A&Es across the country. My hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from £3 million for Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley. Future NHS capital spending will be determined at the upcoming spending review; once settlement is confirmed with the Treasury, projects will be prioritised carefully. I encourage discussions between Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and NHS England/NHS Improvement. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this issue further.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not rule out a pay freeze for NHS staff, did not commit to visiting Russells Hall Hospital
Future Spending Decisions Will Depend On The Upcoming Spending Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the NHS's ability to handle increased patient loads during winter 2020-21.
The £3 million announced to increase winter capacity in Dudley is hugely welcome, but will my hon. Friend also look at Dudley's bids for capital funding for a hybrid theatre and reconfiguration of critical care? Will he join me on a visit to Russells Hall, so that he can see the transformative effect that those projects would have on care for patients in Dudley South?
My hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from £3 million for Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, part of £450 million announced to upgrade A&Es across the country. Future NHS capital spending will be determined at the upcoming spending review; once settlement is confirmed with the Treasury, projects will be prioritised carefully. I encourage discussions between Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and NHS England/NHS Improvement. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this issue further.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to visiting Russells Hall Hospital, did not rule out a pay freeze for NHS staff
Future Spending Decisions Will Depend On The Upcoming Spending Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about NHS staff morale regarding potential two-year pay freeze reports.
The NHS will only survive the winter if its workforce are valued and supported. The evidence from the British Medical Association to the Health and Social Care Committee this morning was stark. So does the Minister understand how demoralising it is for staff to hear reports that they may face yet another two-year pay freeze? I asked those on the Government Benches to rule this out last week. I got no answer, so I ask them again today: will they rule out a pay freeze for NHS staff?
The NHS agrees with its staff multi-year pay deals set by independent recommendations, and we continue with that process. I pay tribute to the amazing work done by our NHS and social care workforce throughout the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not rule out a pay freeze for NHS staff
The Answer Was Based On Continuing Existing Processes
Response accuracy