House of Commons · Westminster Hall
21 May 2025 · 7 other contributors · 10,119 words
Opened by Luke Taylor Lib Dem Sutton and Cheam
Responding minister: Ashley Dalton
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Luke Taylor raised concerns about chronic urinary tract infections in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asks for every healthcare professional in the UK to be properly briefed on recognising and treating chronic UTIs. Additionally, he requests a meeting with the Minister, Phoebe, and representatives of campaign groups to discuss how they have been let down by the system.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The condition of chronic urinary tract infections has left thousands suffering daily, often with no relief from the pain. Over 95% of sufferers are women who face severe disability, loss of independence, and mental health challenges due to the illness. The lack of recognition by healthcare professionals exacerbates the issue.
The MP notes that part of the issue is antibiotic resistance due to overuse, and suggests better education on sanitisation to prevent UTIs.
Supports the debate on chronic UTIs and acknowledges the hon. Member's efforts in highlighting this important issue, expressing gratitude for raising awareness about the need for better guidelines and treatment options.
Focused on the treatment of children and the importance of preventing UTIs from becoming chronic through initiatives like Pharmacy First.
UTIs are more common and serious than many realise, affecting women 30 times more likely. Between 2018 and 2023, 1.8 million hospital admissions in England involved UTIs. Addressed challenges around antibiotic regimes, including antibiotic resistance and complexities in treating UTIs in older patients with dementia.
Commends Luke Taylor on bringing the debate forward and acknowledges personal experiences of staff members who have had this condition, highlighting its impact. Discussed the strain on NHS resources caused by chronic urinary tract infections and its impact on healthcare backlogs.
Cites research showing that 83.3% of UTI cases in primary care involve women over the age of 65, and highlights the seriousness of suicides linked to suffering caused by UTIs. Shared an account of the condition's impact on a constituent who had to give up her job due to chronic UTIs.
The MP highlights the wider effects of chronic UTIs, including incontinence, falls and fractures. She calls for a broader strategy to address these issues. Contributed to the debate on broader health inequalities for women.
Government Response
Ashley DaltonThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
It is an honour, as ever, to serve under your chairship, Sir Desmond. I thank the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Luke Taylor) for securing this debate. The Government currently have no plans to extend Pharmacy First to include women aged pre-16 or post-64 years old, as cases in these age groups are not necessarily considered uncomplicated. The Minister acknowledges the work of CUTIC and commends them for bringing attention to chronic UTI sufferers. She states that living with a chronic UTI is difficult without having to bear the insensitivity of others. Management of the condition is at the discretion of the responsible clinician, based on their specialist training and experience. Research is being undertaken through our National Institute for Health and Care Research to understand the research gaps on UTIs.