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Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
21 May 2025
Lead MP
Luke Taylor
Sutton and Cheam
LD
Responding Minister
Ashley Dalton
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 10119
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Luke Taylor raised concerns about chronic urinary tract infections in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
The MP notes that part of the issue is antibiotic resistance due to overuse, and suggests better education on sanitisation to prevent UTIs.
Allison Gardner
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
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.
Pauline Latham
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Focused on the treatment of children and the importance of preventing UTIs from becoming chronic through initiatives like Pharmacy First.
Chichester
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Matt Turmaine
Lab
Watford
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.
Sonia Kumar
Lab
Dudley
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 Dalton
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Government Response
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.
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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.