Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Future of Stoma Care

17 May 2023 · 1 other contributor · 2,904 words

Opened by Giles Watling Con Clacton

Responding minister: Will Quince

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Giles Watling raised concerns about future of stoma care in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about suboptimal care for individuals with a stoma, impacting quality of life
  • Number of people with a stoma in the UK ranges from 165,000 to 205,000
  • Request made for the Minister to meet to discuss stoma care and the NHS Getting It Right First Time stoma care pathway

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister to commit to meeting me and the Stomas in Parliament organisers to discuss the calls to action and the possible impacts of the medtech strategy on stoma care. Additionally, I request a commitment from him to meet with the group working on the NHS Getting It Right First Time stoma care pathway to ensure equitable care across the UK.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Giles Watling Con Clacton

I am concerned about the suboptimal care that many individuals receive after having a stoma, which has a significant impact on their quality of life. In my Clacton constituency alone, there are at least 300 people living with a stoma, and in the UK, the number ranges from 165,000 to 205,000 individuals. People with a stoma face physical and emotional challenges and often receive highly variable care across the health system.

Other contributors (1)
  • Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East

    I intervened to express my support for the hon. Gentleman's speech and highlighted my personal experience with a stoma in my late 20s, recognising the importance of receiving great care. Asked the Minister if there will be consultation with patients when purchasing products for people with a stoma.

Government Response

Will Quince

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Betts. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Clacton on securing this important debate. Stoma care stigma reduction is crucial; bowel cancer screening is available for those aged 60-74 and will expand to ages 50-59 by 2025. NHS spends around £350 million annually on stoma products, with over 9,500 different items available. The government recognises the importance of patient choice in selecting appropriate stoma products based on individual clinical needs. We are reviewing the tariff system to make it more transparent and ensure equitable access for patients across England. A consultation will be launched over the summer involving patients, charities, organisations, and industry. We aim to roll out best practices from areas like Rotherham, Nottingham, and the Midlands across all integrated care systems. The Department is committed to ensuring UK patients have early access to innovative medtech through streamlined regulatory pathways.

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