Non-covid-19 Healthcare Treatment 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 impact of the ongoing covid-19 pressures on non-covid health services.
What steps his Department is taking to support the provision of non-covid-19 healthcare treatment, given concerns over patient backlog due to ongoing pandemic?
The Government are supporting the NHS's ambition to continue restoring elective services for non-covid patients, recognising pressures from covid-19 infection control. September statistics show services restored to about 80% of last year's levels with £2.9 billion additional funding made available from October.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions/initiatives beyond funding were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the increasing backlog of non-covid-related treatments due to the ongoing difficulties faced by NHS because of covid-19.
Given the difficulties faced by the NHS because of covid-19, what considerations are being given to additional initiatives or management of existing resources to address patient demand and break the backlog of non-covid-related treatments?
The NHS is working hard to maintain elective activity with extra funding, as shown in published September data. Hospitals are carrying out more than 1 million routine appointments and operations weekly, with many hospitals innovating such as Buckinghamshire's bespoke cataract units.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific innovative initiatives beyond general statements were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the fear among patients in Broadland due to the first lockdown, which led many not to seek treatment.
One adverse consequence of the first lockdown was that many people failed to seek treatment because they were afraid of the virus. Does my hon. Friend agree that the people of Broadland should continue to seek medical assistance when needed, confident in a covid-safe and effective manner?
I share my hon. Friend's fulsome praise of the staff at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital who have worked magnificently throughout the pandemic, agreeing that anyone needing medical help should continue seeking it in a safe and effective manner.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or commitments were given to encourage patients.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the backlog in cancer care from both waves of the pandemic, especially for vulnerable patients.
We are dealing with a backlog from the first wave and now hearing treatments being cancelled during the second wave. What will the Government do differently to restore cancer services?
We have learned a huge amount over the past months, increasing hospital capacity which enables continuing far more surgery and treatments than in the first wave. Specific incidents of urgent care cancellation can be raised for further discussion.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions beyond general learning were not detailed.
Response accuracy