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Long-term Medical Conditions
12 June 2025
Lead MP
Peter Prinsley
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Lab
Responding Minister
Gen Kitchen
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 13373
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Peter Prinsley raised concerns about long-term medical conditions in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
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.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
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.
Zubir Ahmed
Lab
Glasgow South West
Expressed agreement with comments made about NHS improvements.
Ben Spencer
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Asked about workforce planning, community diagnostic centres, and other issues related to long-term condition management.
Gen Kitchen
Con
Bury St Edmunds
Acknowledged concerns and outlined measures to support individuals in work, including WorkWell and Connect to Work initiatives.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Josh Babarinde
Lab
Eastbourne
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.
Olly Glover
Con
Didcot and Wantage
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.
Peter Prinsley
Con
Wellingborough and Rushden
Thanked all contributors to the debate, particularly his hon. Friend Gen Kitchen for her contribution.
Tiverton and Minehead
Discussed a vulnerable constituent with multiple sclerosis, highlighting the strain on health services from lack of social care support.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
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.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
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.
Terry Jermy
Con
South West Norfolk
Spoke about his father's stroke and highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns such as F-A-S-T for stroke symptoms.
Tom Gordon
Con
Harrogate and Knaresborough
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 Kitchen
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health
Government Response
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.
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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.