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[David Mundell in the Chair]
11 March 2021
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Jo Churchill
Tags
Justice & CourtsNHSNorthern Ireland
Word Count: 10570
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about [david mundell in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr. Shannon asks the government to take a full pathway approach in improving heart failure services, ensure patients receive long-term condition management support, recruit regional and national heart failure champions for better leadership, and collect comprehensive data across all care pathways to drive systemic improvements.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr. Jim Shannon is concerned about the quality of life and care available to patients suffering from heart failure in the UK, particularly highlighting issues such as delayed diagnosis, lack of access to specialist multidisciplinary teams, insufficient rehabilitation services post-discharge, disparities in regional care standards, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He cites statistics indicating that nearly 1 million people are affected across the UK, with Northern Ireland accounting for approximately 20,000 cases.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Discussed the challenges faced by patients with heart failure, including late diagnosis, variable care quality across the UK, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlighted the need for early diagnosis to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital admissions. Raised concerns about staff shortages in heart failure nursing and the lack of a detailed workforce plan.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
Glasgow North East
Patricia Gibson highlighted the personal impact of heart disease and emphasized that poverty significantly contributes to poor health outcomes. She provided statistics, including over one million UK citizens diagnosed with heart failure annually and 48,000 in Scotland alone. Gibson also noted that those with heart failure often suffer from additional long-term conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. She praised the Scottish Government's efforts in publishing an updated heart disease improvement plan and investing £1 million towards it.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Steve McCabe, as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on heart valve disease, highlighted that heart valve disease affects approximately 1.5 million people in the UK and emphasized the need for timely diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes. He mentioned a campaign called '100,000 Conversations' aimed at raising awareness about heart valve symptoms and encouraging discussions among patients, friends, and relatives. McCabe also discussed the impact of covid-19 on heart operations and highlighted the potential benefits of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as an alternative therapy.
Government Response
Jo Churchill
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Mundell. I thank the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) for securing the debate and for his tenacity in waiting a year before we could be here to discuss what is an incredibly important subject. The minister acknowledges that heart disease remains high on the list of biggest killers in England despite recent progress, and highlights the importance of early intervention, rehabilitation services, and access to good care for younger patients. She also mentions her support for cardiac rehabilitation programs which aim to improve quality of life and reduce hospital admissions. NHSE has a programme of work to support these ambitions overseen by clinical professionals from across the country, with specific goals such as improving rapid access to heart failure nurses and reducing nights spent in hospital and drug spend through better personalized planning. The NHS long-term plan commits to ensuring that 85% of eligible patients will be accessing cardiac rehabilitation care by 2028. NHSE is also developing new e-learning for healthcare professionals on heart failure, aiming to improve recognition and diagnosis of symptoms. Additionally, the minister emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis in managing patients with heart failure through primary care networks and QOF updates. She concludes by thanking Jim Shannon and encourages people experiencing signs or worries related to heart disease to seek help.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.