House of Commons · Westminster Hall
12 June 2025 · 14 other contributors · 13,373 words
Opened by Peter Prinsley Lab Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Responding minister: Gen Kitchen
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Peter Prinsley raised concerns about long-term medical conditions in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The NHS must shift from being a sickness service to one that helps people manage their conditions better. This includes moving care from hospitals to the community through neighbourhood health hubs offering easier access to specialist services and multi-disciplinary teams, as well as embracing digital transitions and patient record management.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The NHS faces significant challenges in managing long-term conditions, with many patients feeling let down by the current system. The financial impact of untreated long-term conditions is substantial, estimated to increase GDP by between £109 billion and £177 billion over five years, while successful management could generate billions of pounds in additional tax revenue.
Raises awareness about endometriosis, a condition affecting 1.5 million women in the UK, which often leads to delayed diagnosis and reduced quality of life. Requests reassurance that endometriosis will be addressed in the Government’s 10-year plan. Raised concerns about endometriosis and highlighted a constituent's case involving severe complications due to the condition. Asked about the impact of changes to Personal Independence Payment on those with long-term conditions such as arthritis.
As an NHS consultant paediatrician, Dr Caroline Johnson highlighted the profound impact of long-term conditions on individuals' families, carers, and communities. She noted that increased prevalence is a success story due to medical advances in managing these conditions effectively for longer periods.
Expressed agreement with comments made about NHS improvements.
Asked about workforce planning, community diagnostic centres, and other issues related to long-term condition management.
Acknowledged concerns and outlined measures to support individuals in work, including WorkWell and Connect to Work initiatives.
Mr Shannon thanked Terry Jermy and Peter Prinsley for securing the debate. He declared an interest as a type 2 diabetic and highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, stating that many people who are diabetic do not know they have the condition. Raised issues related to health care in Northern Ireland, including diabetes, COPD, cancer, cystic fibrosis, and the national cancer plan.
Discusses the case of a constituent with a benign brain tumour and functional neurological disorder who experienced delayed follow-up appointments and lack of local services, highlighting systemic issues in NHS administration and funding. Concerned about delay in follow-up appointments due to pressure to meet the 18-week pathway. Discussed the challenges faced by a constituent with a benign brain tumour and issues related to care transfer in his constituency.
Highlighted that almost half of the UK population reported having a long-standing health problem. Emphasised the importance of integrating care and reducing waiting times. Brought up issues related to training, apprenticeships, and the lack of named person support for his constituents with health conditions.
Thanked all contributors to the debate, particularly his hon. Friend Gen Kitchen for her contribution.
Discussed a vulnerable constituent with multiple sclerosis, highlighting the strain on health services from lack of social care support.
Congratulated the hon. Member for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket on securing an important debate, highlighting her background as a physiotherapist dealing with long-term neurological conditions such as stroke, MS, Parkinson’s, respiratory issues like asthma and COPD, and musculoskeletal conditions. Highlighted exercise and lifestyle improvements for managing medical conditions. Discussed arthritis, her experience as a physiotherapist, and the importance of early diagnosis in improving patient outcomes.
Discussed the impact of long-term conditions on sight loss, highlighting cases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Emphasized the profound emotional trauma, isolation, and mental health impacts associated with these conditions. Spoke passionately about sight loss and the impact of conditions like macular degeneration and Charles Bonnet syndrome.
Spoke about his father's stroke and highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns such as F-A-S-T for stroke symptoms.
Mr Gordon emphasized the importance of early detection in preventing tragic outcomes like the loss of a type 1 diabetic patient due to undiagnosed diabetes. Chaired an all-party group on diabetes and highlighted his work on raising awareness for diabetes issues.
Government Response
Gen KitchenThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health
Emphasised the importance of support for people with long-term conditions, highlighting the Government’s commitment to improving care through increased funding and initiatives such as the NHS Long-Term Plan. The minister noted that over £29 billion in additional day-to-day funding would be provided in real terms by 2028-29, alongside a significant health capital investment. She also mentioned ongoing efforts to provide 24/7 thrombectomy services and support for conditions like arthritis through NICE guidance. Acknowledged concerns about PIP changes, highlighted measures to support individuals in work and initiatives like WorkWell and Connect to Work. Emphasised the importance of reducing elective waiting lists and improving access to social care.