Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

National Strategy for Self-Care

26 April 2022 · 3 other contributors · 7,502 words

Opened by George Howarth Lab Knowsley

Responding minister: Edward Argar

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

George Howarth raised concerns about national strategy for self-care in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concern about the lack of a new national self-care strategy since 2005
  • Survey shows only 55% of people were more likely to engage in self-care post-pandemic
  • Minister acknowledged the importance of self-care and its role in the NHS long-term plan

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister to undertake to look closely at the recommendations for a new self-care strategy, give consideration to the report's seven recommendations, agree to meet healthcare professionals and interested parties to discuss potential ways forward, and meet diabetes charities to explore how type 1 and type 2 diabetes can serve as an example for self-care management.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

George Howarth Lab Knowsley

I am concerned about the lack of a new national strategy for self-care since the last one was published in 2005. The covid-19 pandemic has revealed the importance of self-care, yet a survey by the Proprietary Association of Great Britain showed that only 55% of people were more likely to engage in self-care post-pandemic compared to 69% during it. Before the pandemic, there were an estimated 18 million GP appointments and 3.7 million A&E visits for minor ailments at a cost of £1.5 billion annually.

Other contributors (3)
  • Alison Thewliss SNP Glasgow Central

    Asked if there should be greater awareness and training for people self-managing their health and their families, citing an incident involving a constituent's husband where his device failed leading to his death.

  • Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South

    Emphasised the importance of self-care as a positive empowerment tool, not a means to shift responsibility from professionals. Discussed the role of community pharmacists and local health groups in supporting individuals with long-term conditions like diabetes. Highlighted the need for better integration between different healthcare services through the new integrated care systems. Called for consistent messaging on self-care across NHS platforms.

  • Peter Dowd Lab Bootle

    Stressed the importance of a holistic approach to self-care that includes mental health, lifestyle, diet, exercise, and employment status. Emphasised the need for individuals to use healthcare responsibly while ensuring they feel empowered and safe in making decisions about their care. Mr. Dowd acknowledges the Minister's points but emphasises the need to integrate existing initiatives such as the health literacy toolkit, e-learning programme, community pharmacy contractual framework, and guidance on physical health into a coherent strategy that includes a cultural shift among healthcare professionals towards wellbeing.

Government Response

Edward Argar

The Minister acknowledged the importance of self-care within a broader continuum of care, emphasizing education, empowerment, and the role of community pharmacies. He noted that while there is no specific national strategy for self-care, it is an integral part of the NHS long-term plan. The Minister also addressed recommendations for expanding the Community Pharmacist Consultation Service and enabling pharmacists to refer patients directly to healthcare professionals when appropriate. He committed to arranging meetings between his colleagues and MPs to discuss these issues further.

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