Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Healthcare Services: Carshalton and Wallington

23 May 2023 · 0 other contributors · 3,144 words

Opened by Elliot Colburn Con Carshalton and Wallington

Responding minister: Neil O'Brien

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Elliot Colburn raised concerns about healthcare services: carshalton and wallington in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Elliot Colburn raises concerns about the outdated state of St Helier Hospital, including structural issues and delays in the new hospital programme.
  • Colburn inquires about the timeline for updates on the new hospital programme and assurances regarding maintenance issues during the transition.
  • The minister acknowledges Colburn's campaigning efforts and notes that the trust received 20.5 million in public dividend capital to progress the new hospital scheme.

Key requests to Government

Colburn asks the Minister when an update on the next stages of the new hospital programme can be expected, and whether assurances can be given that existing maintenance problems will not be impacted by the new programme. He also requests information on efforts to ensure access to GPs and NHS dentists.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Elliot Colburn Con Carshalton and Wallington

Elliot Colburn is concerned about the outdated state of St Helier Hospital in his constituency, highlighting issues such as sinking foundations, faulty lifts, and leaking roofs. He notes that while the Government has agreed to a several hundred million pound investment for upgrades and a new hospital, there is ongoing anxiety among staff and constituents regarding delays. Additionally, he mentions challenges with accessing GP services and NHS dentistry due to technological barriers and systemic issues.

Government Response

Neil O'Brien

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington for securing this important debate and acknowledge his relentless campaigning work over the years. The minister notes that a decision regarding the new hospital programme is expected soon and highlights the trust's £20.5 million in public dividend capital received to progress its scheme, which includes design works and contributions towards an electronic patient record system. He explains that further allocations for the scheme will be decided through a business case process ensuring deliverability, alignment with the national programme, and value for money. The minister also discusses the primary care recovery plan aimed at reducing pressures on general practice by introducing 29,000 additional staff ahead of schedule, investing £240 million in new technologies, and launching Pharmacy First to ease pressure off GPs. Additionally, he mentions ongoing reforms in dentistry with a radical plan expected soon.

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