Commons Chamber
11:34
11:34
Speaker's statement
-
Speaker's statement
Ukraine. This House has always stood with the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. We must not forget the continuing fight to stand up for their ideals, which underpin a peaceful, stable, democratic world. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine as well as our colleagues in Ukraine. Parliament. Order! We now come to Oral Questions. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Torcuil Crichton.
11:35
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
Question number one, Mr. Speaker. behalf of the government and this side of the House, can I associate myself with your remarks, which will be shared by members right across this House? As the Prime across this House? As the Prime Minister made clear at Cabinet this morning, and the Foreign Secretary is making clear in Kyiv we will stand with Ukraine, whatever is thrown at Ukraine, until they have the freedom and security that they deserve.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Hear, hear. Mr. speaker, this government is restoring the founding promise of the National Health Service to the National Health Service to bring quality health care to all, regardless of how much you earn or where you live. New funding for GPS where you live. New funding for GPS is being prioritised for areas where the need is greatest, and we are sending more cancer specialists are sending more cancer specialists to rural hospitals as we modernise the health service. The NHS app and NHS online will bring world class NHS online will bring world class healthcare to the most remote corners of our country at the touch of a button.
Lots and lots more to do.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Hear, hear. Mr. speaker, this government is restoring the founding promise of the National Health Service to the National Health Service to bring quality health care to all, regardless of how much you earn or where you live. New funding for GPS where you live. New funding for GPS is being prioritised for areas where the need is greatest, and we are sending more cancer specialists are sending more cancer specialists to rural hospitals as we modernise the health service. The NHS app and NHS online will bring world class NHS online will bring world class healthcare to the most remote corners of our country at the touch of a button.
Lots and lots more to do.
11:35
Torcuil Crichton MP (Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Labour)
-
-
Torcuil Crichton MP (Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Labour)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In places like Na h-Eileanan an Iar, places like Na h-Eileanan an Iar, going the extra mile to provide care is part of the job, and I'd like to pay tribute to the carers like to pay tribute to the carers who in my constituency, who travel over miles in darkness and in bad weather to deliver support for the elderly. But in some parts of the Western Isles, and indeed indeed across rural Scotland, there simply isn't the working age population to provide that care.
And immigration can't solve that problem entirely. Does the Minister agree with me that it's only by increasing wages, by paying social care staff properly, something Scottish Labour has been calling for for some time, that we will increase the number of rural areas and provide a proper care service.
And immigration can't solve that problem entirely. Does the Minister agree with me that it's only by increasing wages, by paying social care staff properly, something Scottish Labour has been calling for for some time, that we will increase the number of rural areas and provide a proper care service.
11:36
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend. This Labour Government hon. Friend. This Labour Government is introducing the first ever Fair Pay agreement for care workers. Pay agreement for care workers. That is, better pay and conditions for care workers and more people recruited into the profession. It's backed by £500 million and Scotland will receive extra funding through the Barnett formula. So the question for the SNP is where's the money going and why isn't it going into the pockets of Scottish care workers? As Jackie Baillie has demanded.
11:37
Layla Moran MP (Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Layla Moran MP (Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
We now go to the chair of the Select Committee. Layla Moran. Select Committee. Layla Moran. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Friday I visited Young Devon, an early support centre in the heart of rural North Devon, and there I of rural North Devon, and there I met young people who told me heartbreaking stories of how they felt left out and let down by the system. Young Devon was quite literally a lifeline for them. It has an open door, person centred approach, and I'm so delighted that their funding has been continued for one more year.
But it's one more year and only one year, and they tell me it makes it incredibly difficult for them to plan. So can the Secretary of State clarify what is the longer term plan for these early support hubs? How do they sit alongside young futures hubs, and how can he help organisations like Young Devon thrive into the future?
But it's one more year and only one year, and they tell me it makes it incredibly difficult for them to plan. So can the Secretary of State clarify what is the longer term plan for these early support hubs? How do they sit alongside young futures hubs, and how can he help organisations like Young Devon thrive into the future?
11:37
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
Yeah. Health Select Committee in paying tribute to two young Devon and the work that they are doing? And as she will know, I have enormous she will know, I have enormous sympathy for the challenge she raises about medium term certainty in funding. As I think was demonstrated on the floor of this House yesterday by the Education Secretary, my Department and Department for education are working closely together to make sure we're better joining up education and health provision and support for young people.
There is more to do. I accept the challenge she sets down around medium term certainty of funding. That's why we're doing more in terms of things like the medium term planning framework. But I'd accept in the spirit of this exchange. Lots done, but lots more to do. Certainly. spokesperson.
There is more to do. I accept the challenge she sets down around medium term certainty of funding. That's why we're doing more in terms of things like the medium term planning framework. But I'd accept in the spirit of this exchange. Lots done, but lots more to do. Certainly. spokesperson.
11:38
Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire, Liberal Democrat)
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Last year in Shropshire, which is a fairly typical rural area, 158,000 fairly typical rural area, 158,000 patients waited more than a month for a GP appointment. And that's not surprising given like many not surprising given like many other rural areas, we have 50 fewer qualified GPS than we did a decade ago. Meanwhile, already busy GPS are trying to develop integrated neighbourhood teams, but they're reporting that they haven't received any dedicated government funding and still don't have the model neighbourhood framework.
Will the Secretary of State act to ensure that GPS have the resources and guidance they need to develop those neighbourhood health teams, and ensure that everyone can access an appointment within seven days or 24 hours if it's urgent, particularly in rural areas where provision is poor.
Will the Secretary of State act to ensure that GPS have the resources and guidance they need to develop those neighbourhood health teams, and ensure that everyone can access an appointment within seven days or 24 hours if it's urgent, particularly in rural areas where provision is poor.
11:39
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
I'm grateful to the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for her Democrat spokesperson for her question. A few things to say in response. Firstly, we have 2000 response. Firstly, we have 2000 more GPS now than when Labour came to office, but she is absolutely right to say that we need to make sure that provision and increase in capacity is reflected right across the country. GP practices serving more deprived areas receive 10% less funding per needs adjusted patient than poorer parts of the the the wealthier parts of the country.
So we're reviewing reform in the car hill formula to make sure that we get the right funding to areas of greatest need, and recognising that amidst our rural communities are obviously lots of affluence, but also enormous pockets of disadvantage and deprivation. And whoever you are, whatever your background, you need to make. You need to get the support and the care you need in the right place at the right time.
So we're reviewing reform in the car hill formula to make sure that we get the right funding to areas of greatest need, and recognising that amidst our rural communities are obviously lots of affluence, but also enormous pockets of disadvantage and deprivation. And whoever you are, whatever your background, you need to make. You need to get the support and the care you need in the right place at the right time.
11:40
Q2. What steps his Department is taking to tackle inequalities in access to radiotherapy treatment services for cancer patients. (907925)
-
Q2. What steps his Department is taking to tackle inequalities in access to radiotherapy treatment services for cancer patients. (907925)
Grahame Morris the to, Mr. >> Grahame Morris the to, Mr. Speaker. Minister. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The National cancer Plan, which I National cancer Plan, which I launched not two weeks ago, will end the postcode lottery. Wherever you live, you will get high quality you live, you will get high quality cancer treatment. We've already invested 70,000,000 in 28 new radiotherapy machines, cutting edge machines, reducing waiting times and providing 15% more treatments, and providing 15% more treatments, which allow 27,500 extra patients to be treated every year.
This means more equal access and better means more equal access and better outcomes for cancer patients across England.
This means more equal access and better means more equal access and better outcomes for cancer patients across England.
11:40
11:40
Grahame Morris MP (Easington, Labour)
-
-
Grahame Morris MP (Easington, Labour)
can I point out that almost half of the cancer centres in more urban areas in England experienced staff recruitment freeze? That figure rises to 60% in more rural and rises to 60% in more rural and deprived areas like mine in East Durham. So will the Minister set out what steps she's taking to end out what steps she's taking to end these recruitment freezes to ensure cancer patients, irrespective of where they live, can access the
**** Possible New Speaker ****
where they live, can access the life saving care they require. Minister. I thank my hon. Friend for his question and I commend his continued advocacy for radiotherapy. I also met with the Member for
**** Possible New Speaker ****
where they live, can access the life saving care they require. Minister. I thank my hon. Friend for his question and I commend his continued advocacy for radiotherapy. I also met with the Member for
11:41
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
Westmorland and Lonsdale and the radiotherapy APPG to discuss how this government will improve outcomes for cancer patients. And while trusts retain responsibility for recruitment, we are continuing for recruitment, we are continuing to increase our cancer workforce from November 20th 4 to 25, the cancer workforce grew by more than 4% and the cancer plan is committed to making sure that we've got the staff where we need them, when we staff where we need them, when we need them, and we're rebalancing cancer training places targeted at trusts in rural and coastal areas, such as East Durham, to improve patient outcomes.
11:42
Tim Farron MP (Westmorland and Lonsdale, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Tim Farron MP (Westmorland and Lonsdale, Liberal Democrat)
Tim Farron Mr. speaker, I welcome what the Minister has just said in response to my hon. Friend's question, but we start a Friend's question, but we start a long way behind the average in OECD countries that 53% of people with cancer have access to radiotherapy. In England, it is 36% in south Cumbria and Lancashire, the worst in the country just 29%. It's no doubt in our communities in south Cumbria. That is down to the fact that my patients in our communities have to travel three hour round trips to get treatment at Preston every day.
Will she support the new plans? We've got to bring a satellite radiotherapy unit to
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Kendal, so that people in our communities can have shorter journeys and longer lives. Minister. I thank him for his question and
**** Possible New Speaker ****
I thank him for his question and we share a part of that ICB because it covers my constituency as well it covers my constituency as well and this is why we've made a commitment in the cancer plan to make sure that coastal and rural make sure that coastal and rural areas are getting services that they need. It's why we're investing more in radiotherapy machines, and more in radiotherapy machines, and it's why we're working with Icbs to work with them, to make sure that they're providing the services that are needed by their communities, and that we're supporting the recruitment of the cancer workforce necessary to be able to go into those particular rural areas as well.
Will she support the new plans? We've got to bring a satellite radiotherapy unit to
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Kendal, so that people in our communities can have shorter journeys and longer lives. Minister. I thank him for his question and
**** Possible New Speaker ****
I thank him for his question and we share a part of that ICB because it covers my constituency as well it covers my constituency as well and this is why we've made a commitment in the cancer plan to make sure that coastal and rural make sure that coastal and rural areas are getting services that they need. It's why we're investing more in radiotherapy machines, and more in radiotherapy machines, and it's why we're working with Icbs to work with them, to make sure that they're providing the services that are needed by their communities, and that we're supporting the recruitment of the cancer workforce necessary to be able to go into those particular rural areas as well.
11:43
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
Douglas McAllister before,
**** Possible New Speaker ****
please, Mr. speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Cancer. Cancer is the canary in the coal Cancer is the canary in the coal mine for the NHS. For far too many cancer patients, the NHS wasn't there for them when they needed it there for them when they needed it under the Tories, with Labour, an extra 213,000 patients have been diagnosed or received the all clear diagnosed or received the all clear on time. Lots done and lots more to do. That is why I pay tribute to do.
That is why I pay tribute to the leadership of my hon. Friend, the Minister for Primary Care and Prevention, and her National Cancer Plan. She's poured her heart and soul into that plan, all the while living with and being treated for cancer. We are investing an extra cancer. We are investing an extra £2.3 billion in diagnostic capacity to deliver 9.5 million more tests by the end of this Parliament, catching cancer earlier, treating catching cancer earlier, treating it faster and preventing it in the first place is how we will save more lives.
more lives.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
please, Mr. speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Cancer. Cancer is the canary in the coal Cancer is the canary in the coal mine for the NHS. For far too many cancer patients, the NHS wasn't there for them when they needed it there for them when they needed it under the Tories, with Labour, an extra 213,000 patients have been diagnosed or received the all clear diagnosed or received the all clear on time. Lots done and lots more to do. That is why I pay tribute to do.
That is why I pay tribute to the leadership of my hon. Friend, the Minister for Primary Care and Prevention, and her National Cancer Plan. She's poured her heart and soul into that plan, all the while living with and being treated for cancer. We are investing an extra cancer. We are investing an extra £2.3 billion in diagnostic capacity to deliver 9.5 million more tests by the end of this Parliament, catching cancer earlier, treating catching cancer earlier, treating it faster and preventing it in the first place is how we will save more lives.
more lives.
11:44
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
Mr. speaker, I welcome the focus of the National Cancer Plan on diagnosing cancer faster. This is needed across all cancers, but particularly with respect to leukaemia. Research by leukaemia UK found that 1 in 4 patients face an avoidable delay in their diagnosis, and 37% of patients are diagnosed in an emergency setting. Can the Secretary of State set out how the implementation of the National Cancer Plan will address delays in diagnosing leukaemia, and what steps the department will take to reduce the proportion of patients who are diagnosed through an emergency route.
11:44
Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)
-
-
Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)
Can I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue? He's absolutely right that leukaemia patients are disproportionately diagnosed too late. We're working with GPS so that they're better prepared to spot symptoms or concerning blood test results to cut out avoidable delays. But the real difference will come with the introduction of genomic testing at birth, allowing the NHS to leapfrog rare cancers like leukaemia so it can be caught early or even prevented in the first place. Lots done.
Certainly lots more to do.
Certainly lots more to do.
11:45
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
James Wild. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. When I met with the Mr. Speaker. When I met with the big C in King's Lynn recently, I heard about the anxiety caused with only 52% of patients locally being treated within two months, compared to a national average of 71.9%. What action is the Secretary of State's department taking to support the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Trust to improve its performance for patients?
11:45
James Wild MP (North West Norfolk, Conservative)
-
-
James Wild MP (North West Norfolk, Conservative)
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. It's not just about right. It's not just about diagnosis. It's also about faster access to treatment. We are meeting access to treatment. We are meeting the faster diagnosis standard with performance at 77.4% in December 2025, and we're aiming to improve this to 80% by the end of March this year. We've got to go a lot further and a lot faster on the commencement of treatment. And while I will be very forthcoming and proud of the progress we are making and the targets we are hitting, where we're falling short hitting, where we're falling short and we're still falling far too short when it comes to access to cancer treatment.
We'll acknowledge cancer treatment. We'll acknowledge that, address it, and make sure we make more progress more quickly.
We'll acknowledge cancer treatment. We'll acknowledge that, address it, and make sure we make more progress more quickly.
11:46
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
Than Meg Hillier.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mental health issues affect all ages and health issues affect all ages and the support is not always there. That's what we are determined to change that. We have hired almost 8000 extra mental health workers 8000 extra mental health workers since we came into office, and increased investment in mental health by an additional £688 million health by an additional £688 million this year. We are also transforming services through community based, 24/7 mental health centres, providing open access to treatment providing open access to treatment and support for adults with severe mental health needs, expanding NHS talking therapies and rolling out mental health support teams in more schools.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mental health issues affect all ages and health issues affect all ages and the support is not always there. That's what we are determined to change that. We have hired almost 8000 extra mental health workers 8000 extra mental health workers since we came into office, and increased investment in mental health by an additional £688 million health by an additional £688 million this year. We are also transforming services through community based, 24/7 mental health centres, providing open access to treatment providing open access to treatment and support for adults with severe mental health needs, expanding NHS talking therapies and rolling out mental health support teams in more schools.
11:46
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
Meg Hillier.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
NHS is doing on this is absolutely vital. But can I draw the Minister's attention to mind in Hackney, which is pioneering a new Hackney, which is pioneering a new approach to make sure that within two weeks people get two sessions of mental health support and then later on they can get more. But later on they can get more. But rather than waiting in a queue for six months for long term support, they get that. And for very many they get that. And for very many people that is enough with a long term treatment plan.
Could I urge the Minister to come and have a visit? It's only half an hour up
**** Possible New Speaker ****
NHS is doing on this is absolutely vital. But can I draw the Minister's attention to mind in Hackney, which is pioneering a new Hackney, which is pioneering a new approach to make sure that within two weeks people get two sessions of mental health support and then later on they can get more. But later on they can get more. But rather than waiting in a queue for six months for long term support, they get that. And for very many they get that. And for very many people that is enough with a long term treatment plan.
Could I urge the Minister to come and have a visit? It's only half an hour up
11:47
Dame Meg Hillier MP (Hackney South and Shoreditch, Labour )
-
-
Dame Meg Hillier MP (Hackney South and Shoreditch, Labour )
visit? It's only half an hour up the road from Westminster. It fitted in before PMQs. >> John, the traffic Minister. >> Very grateful to my hon. Friend's invitation and she's absolutely right. We do need to think of innovative ways of attacking the mental health issues that are facing our country, in particular our young people. That includes both digital and face to face therapies, both of which we are expanding rapid pace. And I am delighted to pass on her invitation to the appropriate Minister.
11:47
11:48
Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)
-
-
Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)
Mr. highlight this this very live issue at the moment, as a as a doctor, as a parent, as a Minister, it is live on my mind as it is in the minds of hon. Members across this House. It is important that we follow the evidence in supporting that we act safely and and proportionately in terms of that evidence, and the hon. Gentleman will know this hon. Gentleman will know this government's ambition and and direction that it wants to set in ensuring that young people are kept safe online.
safe online. analysis.
safe online. analysis.
11:48
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
By Rethink mental Illness of the latest NHS waiting time statistics shows that people are eight times more likely to wait over 18 months for mental health treatment than for physical health treatment. Does the Minister agree with me that waiting 18 months for mental health treatment is totally unacceptable? And will the government set out what steps it will take to cut adult mental health waiting times?
11:48
11:48
11:49
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
physical health when it comes to investigation, diagnosis and treatment. That is why this government is very proud to put in record amounts of funding into the record amounts of funding into the NHS for mental health, and we are also making available £473 million of capital funding to encourage and of capital funding to encourage and establish 24/7 mental health centres, alongside other capital priorities, so people can get the
**** Possible New Speaker ****
priorities, so people can get the right support at the right time. Closer to home. Jess Brown-Fuller. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. After my constituent was left in limbo between Camhs health services and neurodevelopment pathways, with nobody claiming responsibility for her health care needs, her mum called 111 just to get some advice and the advice was if you're not happy with the service, contact your MP. With all mental health and emergency services absolutely emergency services absolutely stretched to breaking point, what tangible action can this government refer to that is that they're refer to that is that they're taking to address the mental health crisis in our neurodiverse population, so that nobody else in my constituency is failed like this young lady.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
priorities, so people can get the right support at the right time. Closer to home. Jess Brown-Fuller. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. After my constituent was left in limbo between Camhs health services and neurodevelopment pathways, with nobody claiming responsibility for her health care needs, her mum called 111 just to get some advice and the advice was if you're not happy with the service, contact your MP. With all mental health and emergency services absolutely emergency services absolutely stretched to breaking point, what tangible action can this government refer to that is that they're refer to that is that they're taking to address the mental health crisis in our neurodiverse population, so that nobody else in my constituency is failed like this young lady.
11:49
Jess Brown-Fuller MP (Chichester, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Jess Brown-Fuller MP (Chichester, Liberal Democrat)
Minister. are distressed to hear stories like this and what motivates us to to keep going and making sure that the NHS becomes a match fit service for the 21st century to reassure her. We are also, in addition to the other investments that I have other investments that I have highlighted today, investing £13 million to pilot enhanced training for staff so they can offer more support to young people with support to young people with complex needs, such as those that she has described.
11:50
11:50
Q6. What steps he is taking to improve the diagnosis of menopause for women in London. (907929)
-
Q6. What steps he is taking to improve the diagnosis of menopause for women in London. (907929)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It should not be. diagnosis for a condition that every single one of us goes through, and that is why this government made a landmark step forward by including menopause in the NHS health check. For the first time ever, an assessments for those eligible will benefit around 5 million women. But we're going further next year. Menopause will further next year. Menopause will be one of the first conditions on a revolutionary new digital hospital. NHS online.
11:50
11:50
Ruth Cadbury MP (Brentford and Isleworth, Labour)
-
-
Ruth Cadbury MP (Brentford and Isleworth, Labour)
Deborah. my constituency experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms tell me of a very, very symptoms tell me of a very, very varied experiences of going to their GPS, some excellent and some frankly alarmingly poor. And I was particularly concerned to hear from South Asian women of their experiences when they went with menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms. So what steps is the department taking to ensure that all GPS receive thorough and regular training that's appropriate to all London's communities?
11:51
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
-
-
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
She makes an excellent and and a very unfortunate point that many of very unfortunate point that many of us will absolutely recognise that that that variability in service is something we need to address through things like the health through things like the health check, through training that is being rolled out, both by the GMC being rolled out, both by the GMC and by the Royal Colleges. We need to go further. There are some great examples in London across the country of multidisciplinary teams that are helping with that training, specialist services, things like menopause, cafes to support women.
We need to take those best examples to the rest of the NHS.
We need to take those best examples to the rest of the NHS.
11:52
Freddie van Mierlo MP (Henley and Thame, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Freddie van Mierlo MP (Henley and Thame, Liberal Democrat)
Speaker HRT is a godsend for many women experiencing menopause, many women experiencing menopause, but there is a dire shortage of HRT implants, particularly those for women for whom other treatments don't work. These are unlicensed medicines, but they are absolutely essential for treatment. And there are women in my constituency who are suffering very badly, very poor mental and physical health impacts as a result. And I've exchanged a number of written questions with with the Minister, especially the Minister, the Member for Glasgow South West.
But we really want to know when action is going to be taken on this and when we can get the implants that these women so desperately need.
But we really want to know when action is going to be taken on this and when we can get the implants that these women so desperately need.
11:52
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
-
-
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
The member makes an important >> The member makes an important point about supply and availability across the country. That is something that we obviously monitor something that we obviously monitor regularly and make sure that when there, if there is a shortage and if there's a shortage of particular medicine in a particular area, that there are alternatives available. We'll continue to keep that under review and make sure that women have the services and the medication that they need.
11:53
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
Callum Anderson. >> Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With your permission, I will take questions seven and 23 together. We know that dentistry was left in crisis by the party opposite, but this government is determined to ensure that everyone can access a dentist when they need one. We have recently broadened access to dental appointments so that patients with more serious and ongoing treatment no longer miss out, and between April and October 2025, we delivered 1.8 million more treatments compared to the same period before the general election.
11:53
Callum Anderson MP (Buckingham and Bletchley, Labour)
-
-
Callum Anderson MP (Buckingham and Bletchley, Labour)
Callum Anderson you, Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for his response in the Buckingham and Bletchley constituency. I have a Bletchley constituency. I have a constituent who is waiting root canal and crown treatment to save her tooth, but she has been quoted her tooth, but she has been quoted NHS treatment at £400 with a 60% chance of success, but private healthcare at £1,300 with a 90% success rate. Hopefully the Minister agrees with me that this mismatch risks undermining confidence in NHS dentistry.
So can he update the House on what steps he is taking to reform the NHS dental contract, so that constituents like mine can receive timely and high quality care within financial reach?
So can he update the House on what steps he is taking to reform the NHS dental contract, so that constituents like mine can receive timely and high quality care within financial reach?
11:54
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
Well, I was very sorry to hear >> Well, I was very sorry to hear about the plight of my hon. Friend's constituent, and I'd be, of course, more than happy to look into the specifics of her case. The into the specifics of her case. The sad reality is that after 14 years of Tory neglect and incompetence, we have ended up with a two tier dentistry system. This government is determined to ensure that high quality NHS dentistry is available to everyone who needs it.
The 2026 reforms that I announced on the 16th of December will help patients who have complex needs by creating a new care pathway, backed by tariffs for dentists of between 250 and £700, which could save patients up to £225 in fees. So our 2026 measures, combined with long term contract reform, will indeed enable timely, high quality treatment that is within financial reach.
The 2026 reforms that I announced on the 16th of December will help patients who have complex needs by creating a new care pathway, backed by tariffs for dentists of between 250 and £700, which could save patients up to £225 in fees. So our 2026 measures, combined with long term contract reform, will indeed enable timely, high quality treatment that is within financial reach.
11:55
Natalie Fleet MP (Bolsover, Labour)
-
-
Natalie Fleet MP (Bolsover, Labour)
Natalie Fleet. >> Natalie Fleet. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> 14 years of conservative rule
**** Possible New Speaker ****
14 years of conservative rule has consequences for the children in my constituency. A quarter of in my constituency. A quarter of them have tooth decay. The opposition can shake their heads as much as they like. This is the real world impact, impact of the decisions that you made. These children are some of the most deprived in Derbyshire, and the ICB found that they are more likely than the wealthier constituents three miles up the road to have tooth decay.
Now I am pleased that we are fixing dentistry, we are getting more urgent dentist appointments and we've got the roll out of supervised toothbrushing in schools. But we need to do more. What more is this government doing to address this inequality and help children in my constituency that are in pain?
**** Possible New Speaker ****
14 years of conservative rule has consequences for the children in my constituency. A quarter of in my constituency. A quarter of them have tooth decay. The opposition can shake their heads as much as they like. This is the real world impact, impact of the decisions that you made. These children are some of the most deprived in Derbyshire, and the ICB found that they are more likely than the wealthier constituents three miles up the road to have tooth decay.
Now I am pleased that we are fixing dentistry, we are getting more urgent dentist appointments and we've got the roll out of supervised toothbrushing in schools. But we need to do more. What more is this government doing to address this inequality and help children in my constituency that are in pain?
11:56
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
Well, I thank her for that question. And she's absolutely right. The Conservatives failed our children's health with tooth decay. children's health with tooth decay. The most common reason for hospital admissions for 5 to 9 year olds, a truly shameful, Dickensian state of affairs. We have provided Derbyshire County Council with £82,000 for this year's supervised Toothbrushing programme, with further funding agreed till 2829. I'm delighted that of the 42,000 increase in the number of treatments in Derby and Derbyshire, ICB, 19,000 of these were for children and by extending the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, we will protect kids teeth from decay, a policy that's emblematic of the shift from treatment to prevention, which is at the heart of our ten year plan.
Ashley Fox.
Ashley Fox.
11:56
Sir Ashley Fox MP (Bridgwater, Conservative)
-
-
Sir Ashley Fox MP (Bridgwater, Conservative)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents continue to find it very difficult to get an appointment with an NHS dentist. appointment with an NHS dentist. Can the Minister outline what steps he is taking to encourage dentists in rural areas, so that my in rural areas, so that my constituents have access to an NHS dentist? He says 14 years.
11:57
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
I thank him for that question. I still do think, Mr. Speaker, we come to this chamber month in, month out for these oral questions month out for these oral questions and we never hear an apology from the benches opposite for the mess that they left NHS dentistry in for the party opposite. Sorry, really does seem to be the hardest word with regard to the hon. Gentleman's question. We have delivered 1.8 million additional appointments between April and October 25th, compared to the same period before the general election.
I would be happy to furnish with him with the numbers precisely of how many more in his constituency and his ICB area have been provided. He can watch his post box for that information. Adrian Ramsay.
I would be happy to furnish with him with the numbers precisely of how many more in his constituency and his ICB area have been provided. He can watch his post box for that information. Adrian Ramsay.
11:57
Adrian Ramsay MP (Waveney Valley, Green Party)
-
-
Adrian Ramsay MP (Waveney Valley, Green Party)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On urgent dental appointments, the urgent dental appointments, the Daily Mirror reports that of the nearly 1 million appointments that have been commissioned by integrated care boards since April, 900,000 have not been taken up because of strict rules around the scope of treatment. Meanwhile, in my constituency of Waveney Valley and around the country, too many people are going without the treatment that they need. Could the Minister update on when the government expects to meet its
**** Possible New Speaker ****
targets on urgent appointments? I thank him for that question. Our manifesto commitment was about Our manifesto commitment was about improving access to urgent dental care. That's precisely what we've done by commissioning hundreds of thousands of additional urgent thousands of additional urgent treatments, it became clear as we were working through that process that the clinical definition was that the clinical definition was too narrow and out of step with a common sense interpretation. So we acted on the advice of the chief acted on the advice of the chief dental officer.
We broadened the definition. From this April, urgent care will be embedded in the contract. And of course, we continue to work with the sector on long term contract reform. spokesperson.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
targets on urgent appointments? I thank him for that question. Our manifesto commitment was about Our manifesto commitment was about improving access to urgent dental care. That's precisely what we've done by commissioning hundreds of thousands of additional urgent thousands of additional urgent treatments, it became clear as we were working through that process that the clinical definition was that the clinical definition was too narrow and out of step with a common sense interpretation. So we acted on the advice of the chief acted on the advice of the chief dental officer.
We broadened the definition. From this April, urgent care will be embedded in the contract. And of course, we continue to work with the sector on long term contract reform. spokesperson.
11:58
Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire, Liberal Democrat)
Very much, Mr. Speaker, everyone in this House knows that NHS dentistry was allowed to fall apart dentistry was allowed to fall apart under the Conservatives. From DIY tooth extractions to people forcing to going to go to A&E because to going to go to A&E because they're in pain and children are suffering in every corner of the country. Last year, 38,000 children in Shropshire didn't see a dentist in Surrey. That number was 100,000 and in Sussex 133,000. It's a disgrace. Now the government promised an extra 700,000 urgent appointments to fight this crisis, but it looks set to have been broken in the previous year.
Can the Minister today highlight in black and white how many extra urgent appointments were actually delivered last year, rather than simply commissioned?
Can the Minister today highlight in black and white how many extra urgent appointments were actually delivered last year, rather than simply commissioned?
11:59
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
Well, I thank her for that question. And as I just pointed out question. And as I just pointed out to the gentleman opposite, we've broadened the definition because the clinical definition of urgent the clinical definition of urgent was simply not in line with the common sense interpretation. So we were having people removing their were having people removing their own teeth through DIY dentistry, who were not fitting into the classification of urgent. So we've changed that categorisation. As a result of that, I'm very pleased to confirm that we have delivered 1.8 million additional appointments and treatments this year, compared to the same period last year.
That is April to October 2025, and we will continue to work on that basis of embedding urgent care into the contract. As per what I announced on the 16th of December, with the 2026 reforms that we are carrying out.
That is April to October 2025, and we will continue to work on that basis of embedding urgent care into the contract. As per what I announced on the 16th of December, with the 2026 reforms that we are carrying out.
12:00
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
-
-
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
Sureena Brackenridge. >> Thank you. Question eight Mr. Speaker. >> Minister. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've now got ambulances arriving faster, but we know there is much more to do. We've taken action to reduce handover delays by introducing handover delays by introducing release to rescue 45 minute handovers, supporting ambulances back onto the road to respond to patients faster. And we've invested an extra 500 ambulances. And I am pleased to announce that as a result of this government's investment modernisation, West Midlands ambulances are reaching patients with conditions like suspected heart attacks and strokes almost seven minutes faster this winter than last winter.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've now got ambulances arriving faster, but we know there is much more to do. We've taken action to reduce handover delays by introducing handover delays by introducing release to rescue 45 minute handovers, supporting ambulances back onto the road to respond to patients faster. And we've invested an extra 500 ambulances. And I am pleased to announce that as a result of this government's investment modernisation, West Midlands ambulances are reaching patients with conditions like suspected heart attacks and strokes almost seven minutes faster this winter than last winter.
12:00
Sureena Brackenridge MP (Wolverhampton North East, Labour)
-
-
Sureena Brackenridge MP (Wolverhampton North East, Labour)
Bracknell. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the Minister for her update. I welcome the progress made with ambulance response times and also ambulance response times and also handovers. I recently visited Willenhall Ambulance Hub to thank the incredible staff and to hear about winter pressures, local handover delays and the strain of late finishes on their family life and childcare. Can the Minister outline what action is being taken to tackle systemic bottlenecks in A&E departments? High bed occupancy and pharmacy delays to protect staff wellbeing and ensure high patient quality care?
12:01
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
-
-
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
Minister. to understand the pressures that they're working on? I think on many hon. Members do, and it is a really useful visit to understand those useful visit to understand those wider issues. As she says, she raised an important point about handover delays impacting staff as well as patients. But reducing these delays will ensure that staff are no longer stuck outside emergency departments. On the wider issue about the front door. NHS England's model will set out core principles and pathways for high performing emergency departments, which will improve patient experience and flow with lower waiting times and less overcrowding.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
And we are committed to improving rest facilities to support staff wellbeing. Speaker. In November.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
In November. I joined a local ambulance crew and saw first hand the great work that they do for our community. But services are under huge strain. So will the Minister designate ambulance stations as critical infrastructure to protect them from closure, and set up an emergency
**** Possible New Speaker ****
And we are committed to improving rest facilities to support staff wellbeing. Speaker. In November.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
In November. I joined a local ambulance crew and saw first hand the great work that they do for our community. But services are under huge strain. So will the Minister designate ambulance stations as critical infrastructure to protect them from closure, and set up an emergency
12:02
Helen Maguire MP (Epsom and Ewell, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Helen Maguire MP (Epsom and Ewell, Liberal Democrat)
closure, and set up an emergency fund to support them. >> Again, I commend her for going
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Again, I commend her for going out with her particular crews. One of the issues with why we've been so successful this year in improving the services is because of looking at things like where ambulances are located and how they ambulances are located and how they are operationalised and their services. We'll continue to work with NHS England on the best model for local constituencies.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Again, I commend her for going out with her particular crews. One of the issues with why we've been so successful this year in improving the services is because of looking at things like where ambulances are located and how they ambulances are located and how they are operationalised and their services. We'll continue to work with NHS England on the best model for local constituencies.
12:02
12:02
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
Lizzi Collinge. Mr. speaker. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We inherited a broken NHS dental system with many people unable to access a dentist when they need one, access a dentist when they need one, including in my hon. Friend's constituency, but we're making real progress. Having increased the number of NHS treatments by 1.8 million between April and October 2025, compared to the same period before the general election. As a result of this nation wide increase, I am pleased to report that 89,000 more NHS dental treatments were delivered between April and October last year in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
ICB area, which of course includes my hon. Friend's constituency.
ICB area, which of course includes my hon. Friend's constituency.
12:03
Lizzi Collinge MP (Morecambe and Lunesdale, Labour)
-
-
Lizzi Collinge MP (Morecambe and Lunesdale, Labour)
Lizzi Collinge. contacted me because their spouse is bedbound and he can't get dental care at home, so he gets no routine care. And he recently waited three months for an emergency extraction, something he could have had on the same day if he'd not been disabled. So can the Minister tell me what work is happening to help my constituents access the care that they need?
12:03
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
Minister? >> Minister? >> Yeah, I thank her for that question. I'm really sorry to hear about the plight of her constituent. about the plight of her constituent. And I'd, of course, be more than happy to meet with her and perhaps and to look into the specifics of and to look into the specifics of the case. Specialised dental services have a vitally important role to play in providing dental treatment to vulnerable people in settings such as care homes. I think in many cases this is about teamwork and integration, making sure that primary dental care is working in lockstep with adult social care, and there is clearly some room for improvement in some areas, and I'd be happy to work with her on ensuring that this issue gets resolved.
12:04
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
And Naz Shah. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Speaker. The ten year health. measures. >> To make the healthy choice the
**** Possible New Speaker ****
To make the healthy choice the easy choice, and this includes tackling the obesity epidemic through mandatory healthy food through mandatory healthy food sales reporting business targets to increase the healthiness of products sold, and restrictions on junk food advertising.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
To make the healthy choice the easy choice, and this includes tackling the obesity epidemic through mandatory healthy food through mandatory healthy food sales reporting business targets to increase the healthiness of products sold, and restrictions on junk food advertising.
12:04
Naz Shah MP (Bradford West, Labour)
-
-
Naz Shah MP (Bradford West, Labour)
Naz Shah. thank the Minister for that in Bradford West, more than 1 in 5 children are beginning primary school overweight or obese, and by the time they lead primary school, that figure rises to 1 in 3 children. Can the Minister set out how this government's world leading new ban on junk food advertising will help parents to give every child the best and healthy start in life?
12:05
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
Minister. outlining the very real crisis that we have in terms of childhood obesity, and it's a problem that robs children of the best possible start in life and sets them up for a whole lifetime of health problems. It's why this government has come down hard and delivered our commitment to restrict advertisements for junk food on TV and online. This action will remove around 7.2 billion calories from children's diets every single year.
12:05
Mr Gagan Mohindra MP (South West Hertfordshire, Conservative)
-
-
Mr Gagan Mohindra MP (South West Hertfordshire, Conservative)
Gagan Mohindra. >> Gagan Mohindra. >> Mr. speaker, as the House will know, pharmacies are an important part of the system to prevent ill part of the system to prevent ill health. Last week, I raised the challenges that pharmacies in my constituency of South West Hertfordshire and across the Hertfordshire and across the country are facing due to rising costs and a lack of funding support. Having written to the Minister for Care in April of last year and followed up several times since, could the Minister advise how I can arrange a meeting with him to
**** Possible New Speaker ****
discuss these concerns further? Minister.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Minister. I thank the hon. Member for his question. The Minister responsible runs a regular ministerial surgery
**** Possible New Speaker ****
discuss these concerns further? Minister.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Minister. I thank the hon. Member for his question. The Minister responsible runs a regular ministerial surgery
12:06
12:06
Dr Caroline Johnson MP (Sleaford and North Hykeham, Conservative)
-
-
Dr Caroline Johnson MP (Sleaford and North Hykeham, Conservative)
declare my interest as a consultant paediatrician in the NHS. Mr. speaker, prevention of ill health is crucial. It's particularly important in children, and perhaps most especially when one is trying to prevent ill health being caused to children by doctors. I have expressed concerns previously about the puberty blockers trial. Many in both houses have two. The trial has now been paused due to an MHRA letter. So when Ministers first aware of that letter, and when were they first aware of the concerns described within it.
12:07
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
Minister. The regulators are doing their job. This is a perfectly ordinary occurrence in terms of certain occurrence in terms of certain research trials. They have paused as she's made the House aware, and I'm sure the House is already aware, but we will leave the regulators and the clinicians who are doing their job to make sure that all the trials, including this one, are done in an appropriate fashion.
12:07
Dr Caroline Johnson MP (Sleaford and North Hykeham, Conservative)
-
-
Dr Caroline Johnson MP (Sleaford and North Hykeham, Conservative)
Caroline Johnson thank you, Mr. Speaker. That's a very interesting answer. Before the Christmas, the answer. Before the Christmas, the Secretary of State had confidence in an allegedly vigorous and rigorous process. But fertility rigorous process. But fertility preservation techniques have not deteriorated over the last few months. The age at which children reach each Tanner stage of puberty haven't changed over the last few months, but the MHRA view has. Why? Given that this is such a scrutinised trial, does this not call into question the MHRA s wider competence and due diligence, and will she publish the letter from November from the MHRA, referred to into the more recent correspondence that they published on Friday?
12:08
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So the what she highlights is part of this rigorous process. part of this rigorous process. That's what happens. The why the MHRA have changed is a question for the MHRA, but it is up to them to raise these issues through the process. And this is why we run such trials. IT pendant regulator Calum Miller.
12:08
12:08
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
our part in the NHS. We'll be supporting GPS to identify, support and refer victims and survivors and refer victims and survivors into specialist services. This will include a specialist support worker. include a specialist support worker. Every GP practice can draw on and training GPS to spot the signs of domestic abuse and sexual violence. domestic abuse and sexual violence. As part of the government's VAWG strategy, health will provide an additional £5 million for victim additional £5 million for victim support services and up to £50 million to roll out specialist services for child sexual abuse victims.
12:09
Calum Miller MP (Bicester and Woodstock, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Calum Miller MP (Bicester and Woodstock, Liberal Democrat)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer. I recently had the opportunity to visit the dedicated staff at Survivor Space, a centre staff at Survivor Space, a centre for victims of sexual violence in Oxford that serves my constituents there. I was shocked to learn that victims and survivors of sexual violence may wait up to two years for a counselling session, and further appalled to learn that at least one had been advised they could not access NHS mental health services until they had first had counselling from survivor Space.
So does the Secretary of State agree with me that no survivor should have to wait two years for this treatment? And would he or one of the Ministers meet with me and representatives from Survivor Space to discuss how this dedicated healthcare funding can get to the front line and support these critical services?
So does the Secretary of State agree with me that no survivor should have to wait two years for this treatment? And would he or one of the Ministers meet with me and representatives from Survivor Space to discuss how this dedicated healthcare funding can get to the front line and support these critical services?
12:10
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
I wholeheartedly agree with the hon. Members, and I would say two hon. Members, and I would say two things in response to the point he raises. Firstly, the voluntary and community sector does and should continue to provide support for victims. The voluntary sector does a brilliant job. They often do it in an environment that feels safer and more inclusive, and we should welcome that. But the existence of voluntary sector provision does not excuse the NHS from performing its duties.
And one of the changes that I have led in the culture of the leadership of my department is to recognise that when it comes to investing in NHS services for victims and survivors, those are NHS and DHSC responsibilities, not Home Office, not MoJ or others. We have to take responsibility for meeting the needs of everyone. There is, of course, more to do specifically on waiting times, and I'll be delighted to make sure that he gets the meeting. Asked for.
And one of the changes that I have led in the culture of the leadership of my department is to recognise that when it comes to investing in NHS services for victims and survivors, those are NHS and DHSC responsibilities, not Home Office, not MoJ or others. We have to take responsibility for meeting the needs of everyone. There is, of course, more to do specifically on waiting times, and I'll be delighted to make sure that he gets the meeting. Asked for.
12:11
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
Doctor Beccy Cooper. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are revolutionising our country's health and well-being through our ten year health plan, delivering the three major shifts boosting life expectancy and improving mental health for everyone, everywhere. And we're shifting from prioritising tackling sickness to prevention, including through action, to create a smoke free generation via the Tobacco and Vapes bill.
12:11
Dr Beccy Cooper MP (Worthing West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Beccy Cooper MP (Worthing West, Labour)
Thank you. great to hear that wellbeing is being built in through the shift to prevention in our National Health Strategy. Would the Minister agree with me that we should now champion with me that we should now champion health in all policies, starting with the mandatory use of the wellbeing indicators available for the Treasury Green Book, currently used sporadically at best.
12:11
12:12
Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East, Conservative)
-
-
Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East, Conservative)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Secretary of State for health has compared GP salaries to that of the Prime Minister. Now, I can understand why the Health Secretary is taking a keen interest in how much a Prime Minister gets paid. But can the government assure, can the government assure this House that the GP contract will see an increase in GP funding over and above their inflationary pressures, because they are on the front line of ensuring national wellbeing
**** Possible New Speaker ****
indicators in this country improve. Just about scrape something together. Minister.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
I'm not entirely sure what any of that question had to do with enough.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
indicators in this country improve. Just about scrape something together. Minister.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
I'm not entirely sure what any of that question had to do with enough.
12:12
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
enough. >> No no no no, just just a minute. Just say, let me do my job. I'll let you do yours. You try and
**** Possible New Speaker ****
let you do yours. You try and answer it. I did put that caveat on at the end. So I didn't hear you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I can confirm that Mr. Speaker. And I can confirm that my hon. Friend, the Minister responsible will be making a written ministerial statement at 4:00 today where the contract for 2627 will be laid out.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
let you do yours. You try and answer it. I did put that caveat on at the end. So I didn't hear you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I can confirm that Mr. Speaker. And I can confirm that my hon. Friend, the Minister responsible will be making a written ministerial statement at 4:00 today where the contract for 2627 will be laid out.
12:13
Q13. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the role of sport in health outcomes for young people with Down's syndrome. (907937)
-
Q13. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the role of sport in health outcomes for young people with Down's syndrome. (907937)
Not Al Pinkerton. >> 13. >> Mr Speaker of Lords Minister. >> Mr. speaker, every child with a disability should have the opportunity to reap the health and wellbeing benefits of being active. We are working across health, education and sport to break down barriers to physical activity, including for children with down syndrome. This includes making sure that they have access to inclusive, sensory rich activities that they carers.
12:13
12:13
Dr Al Pinkerton MP (Surrey Heath, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Dr Al Pinkerton MP (Surrey Heath, Liberal Democrat)
Acrobatics, a wonderful and inclusive gymnastics centre in my Surrey Heath constituency. He told me that young people with down syndrome are routinely prevented from taking part in physical activity in sport because of activity in sport because of concerns about neck stability, and I wondered if the Minister might be willing to take this case on to willing to take this case on to work with GPS, the NHS and relevant bodies to review the guidance that guides that area and to remove some guides that area and to remove some of the barriers that too often prevents young people from engaging with the physical and sporting activities that are so vital to their physical and mental wellbeing.
12:14
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
Minister. Member for raising that point. He's not the first member to have raised that specific issue. Clearly, patient safety and child safety is paramount, but I think it must be paramount, but I think it must be proportionate and led by evidence, and I am very happy to explore this further with him.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Question number 14, Mr. Speaker. Minister. Mr. speaker, I'm grateful to the
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Mr. speaker, I'm grateful to the hon. Lady, my hon. Friend, for her work on raising the profile of this underserved area. It is simply underserved area. It is simply unacceptable that disabled women are at a higher risk of neonatal and perinatal mortality and stillbirth, and that they continue stillbirth, and that they continue to experience adverse outcomes relative to the general population. That is why my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has launched an independent maternity investigation that will help us understand the systemic issues behind why so many families, including disabled women, experience unacceptable care.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Question number 14, Mr. Speaker. Minister. Mr. speaker, I'm grateful to the
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Mr. speaker, I'm grateful to the hon. Lady, my hon. Friend, for her work on raising the profile of this underserved area. It is simply underserved area. It is simply unacceptable that disabled women are at a higher risk of neonatal and perinatal mortality and stillbirth, and that they continue stillbirth, and that they continue to experience adverse outcomes relative to the general population. That is why my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has launched an independent maternity investigation that will help us understand the systemic issues behind why so many families, including disabled women, experience unacceptable care.
12:14
Dr Marie Tidball MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge, Labour)
-
-
Dr Marie Tidball MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge, Labour)
Mark Pritchard. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Too often, disabled women's bodies are deemed not to count. In the last deemed not to count. In the last year, I've met two incredible disabled women, Carlisle, a paralympiad, and Sarah, an occupational therapist. Neither found out that they were pregnant until their second and third trimesters, respectively, because none of their clinicians considered that they might be pregnant. But we are making babies Mr Speaker. We are having babies and we are being brilliant mothers.
Against the odds. Odds which mean we have a 44% higher likelihood of stillbirth. Will the Secretary of State meet with me to discuss ensuring inclusive maternity care for disabled women is at the heart of our women's health strategy, so that our womanhood is no longer invisible?
Against the odds. Odds which mean we have a 44% higher likelihood of stillbirth. Will the Secretary of State meet with me to discuss ensuring inclusive maternity care for disabled women is at the heart of our women's health strategy, so that our womanhood is no longer invisible?
12:15
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
Mr. >> Mr. speaker, we are so lucky to have my hon. Friend in this place challenging us to be better. And we can be better. We need to be bolder can be better. We need to be bolder and take decisive action to close the gap on inequalities, to ensure all women receive safe, personalised and compassionate care. We know how important inclusive maternity care is for disabled women. I know that she has previously had meetings with my hon. Friend, the Minister for maternity, and my right hon.
Friend, the Secretary of State will be delighted to meet her.
Friend, the Secretary of State will be delighted to meet her.
12:16
Josh Babarinde MP (Eastbourne, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Josh Babarinde MP (Eastbourne, Liberal Democrat)
Josh Babarinde. >> Ago, a power cut at Eastbourne District General Hospital, where I was born, plunged parts of the hospital into darkness and forced hospital into darkness and forced our maternity unit to temporarily close, particularly affecting disabled women. People had to use their phones, their iPhone talk just to be able to see. And despite this power infrastructure failure, we are way at the back of the queue for new hospital funding. So will the Minister commit to accelerating
**** Possible New Speaker ****
the unlocking of that cash earlier. Or I. Think we'll have the services reserved. We have had this question before
**** Possible New Speaker ****
We have had this question before about trying to drag a question into something that's not relevant to the main question. We'll now to the main question. We'll now come to the Minister. Shadow Minister, can I welcome in his first time at the Dispatch Box Gregory Stafford?
**** Possible New Speaker ****
the unlocking of that cash earlier. Or I. Think we'll have the services reserved. We have had this question before
**** Possible New Speaker ****
We have had this question before about trying to drag a question into something that's not relevant to the main question. We'll now to the main question. We'll now come to the Minister. Shadow Minister, can I welcome in his first time at the Dispatch Box Gregory Stafford?
12:17
12:17
Gregory Stafford MP (Farnham and Bordon, Conservative)
-
-
Gregory Stafford MP (Farnham and Bordon, Conservative)
Gregory Stafford. has not even met seven months later tells us everything we need to know about the urgency and the importance that's been shown by this government on this. But Mr. Speaker, in Leeds, families are losing faith in the maternity services. The Secretary of State has said that, and I quote, he takes this extremely seriously. Yet Donna Ockenden, who exposed the failings in Nottingham and has the support of families and who has said that she is ready and willing to lead the inquiry, has not been appointed.
If he and the Secretary of State takes this extremely seriously, why have they not appointed a chair yet?
If he and the Secretary of State takes this extremely seriously, why have they not appointed a chair yet?
12:18
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
Minister. >> I see the hon. Gentleman has had his brass, the brass neck from his predecessor transplanted to him. He talks about seven months. What talks about seven months. What about the last 14 years? Through which through which that party opposite presided over decay and decline of our NHS, failing our patients and failing the clinicians that served them? My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State is in regular contact with maternity families. He knows as well as I do. He takes the matter extremely seriously, and he will be reporting to this House on a regular basis regarding the outcome of his deliberations.
12:18
Q15. What steps he is taking to increase access to care in the community. (907939)
-
Q15. What steps he is taking to increase access to care in the community. (907939)
Reference number 15. >> Reference number 15. >> Please, Mr. Speaker. >> Thank you. >> Through our ten year health plan and the shift from hospital to and the shift from hospital to community, our new neighbourhood health service will benefit millions. It is underpinned by 120 new neighbourhood health centres by 2030, alongside the supercharging of community diagnostic centres now of community diagnostic centres now to deliver faster, more accessible care. With over 100 sites open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, hours a day, seven days a week, this massive expansion will transform community access for millions of patients regardless of postcode.
postcode.
postcode.
12:19
12:19
Alison Griffiths MP (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Conservative)
-
-
Alison Griffiths MP (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Conservative)
became permanent and the site is being progressed for disposal in being progressed for disposal in Rustington. Over half of residents are elderly and rely on intermediate and step down care. They have not been consulted on the permanent closure, despite permanent closure, despite assurances from Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Sussex ICB, with the Secretary of State or the Minister confirm whether he considers this a substantial variation in NHS services, and will he consider exercising his powers before the site is irreversibly sold?
12:19
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
I thank her for that question. I'm not familiar with the details I'm not familiar with the details of the case she's just mentioned, and if she would perhaps write to me, I'd be more than happy to take me, I'd be more than happy to take the issue up. These are, of course, matters that are determined by the icbs and the trusts in each case. And this government's not in the business of micromanaging what's happening out there in the field. We believe that people who are closest to our citizens are the best people to be taking those decisions.
However, we do expect the right outcomes, and I'd be happy to work with her on that.
However, we do expect the right outcomes, and I'd be happy to work with her on that.
12:20
Ms Abena Oppong-Asare MP (Erith and Thamesmead, Labour)
-
-
Ms Abena Oppong-Asare MP (Erith and Thamesmead, Labour)
Mr Speaker women with the >> Mr Speaker women with the painful and incurable condition of endometriosis have suffered stigma and ill health for far too long, despite impacting 1 in 10 women, it takes on average over eight years takes on average over eight years for a diagnosis. So will the Minister make sure in the new women's health strategy that it has stronger trainer training, better awareness and faster support for women here?
12:20
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
I thank her for that question >> I thank her for that question and it's an absolutely vital issue. Endometriosis is a is a is a really serious challenge for so many women serious challenge for so many women across our country. I can confirm that it is indeed an integral part of the strategy, and I'm sure that she will be pleased to see the outcome of that strategy as it moves forward.
12:21
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
-
-
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
Question number. >> Mr. Mr Speaker, the health PFI programme between 1992 and 2015 delivered 126 new acute facilities for the NHS, delivered over £12 for the NHS, delivered over £12 billion of investment in the estate. NHS PFI contracts are held by individual trusts and Nesta publish annual data on them, including the costs of all those PFI projects. The last PFI contract was signed in 2015. We are not bringing back PFI. We're bringing forward a new model which will draw on lessons learned from the past to ensure we deliver our commitments of a ten year plan.
12:21
Ian Byrne MP (Liverpool West Derby, Labour)
-
-
Ian Byrne MP (Liverpool West Derby, Labour)
Hear, hear. >> Mr. speaker, all the Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in my constituency, Liverpool West Derby, faces significant financial faces significant financial pressure due to its Private Finance Initiative deal. This is because over 50% of its total PFI payment is going towards interest charges, with all the £380 million by 2045 for the PFI investments of 189 million. Mr. speaker, that's nearly £200 million being drained out of all derived over the next two decades because of the now discredited system PFI, that should be spent on making sick children better.
So can I ask the Minister what assessment the Department has made on the potential impact of the use of PFI to fund the recently centres?
So can I ask the Minister what assessment the Department has made on the potential impact of the use of PFI to fund the recently centres?
12:22
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
-
-
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
Mr. >> He highlights an important one where something is not going well, clearly, and the team, the department are working with the department are working with the team at Alder Hey to help with rectifying some of those problems. That is why we will not be using that model of PFI in future models. Those are the lessons that we have learnt and we will take forward a new model of PGP for our neighbourhood health service, which will transform care for people in his constituency and across the country.
12:23
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
thousands more cases of lung cancer, protect children by boosting vaccination rates and provide more people with weight loss jabs on the NHS. This follows an extra £1.1 billion we've invested in general billion we've invested in general practice this year, and builds on the 2000 more GPS we've recruited since the general election. Mr. since the general election. Mr. speaker, after 14 years of decline, the government is fixing the front door to the NHS, bringing back the
**** Possible New Speaker ****
door to the NHS, bringing back the family doctor, ending the 8 a.m. scramble. Lots done. Lots more to do. Harriet Cross.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
door to the NHS, bringing back the family doctor, ending the 8 a.m. scramble. Lots done. Lots more to do. Harriet Cross.
12:23
Harriet Cross MP (Gordon and Buchan, Conservative)
-
-
Harriet Cross MP (Gordon and Buchan, Conservative)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Inverurie medical practice in my Gordon and Buchan constituency saw its National Insurance bill rise by £75,000, thanks to this government that has put huge pressure on the practice, which was already operating at one GP for 3000 patients, three times higher than what the BMA recommends. When did the Secretary of State last meet the Chancellor to discuss the impact of the next rise on GP practices, and what is he and his department doing about the pressure cooker?
12:24
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
We are on top. >> We are on top. >> Mr. speaker, I see the Chancellor most weeks and that is why we have record investment going why we have record investment going into our NHS, which is improving patient satisfaction with access to general practice, cutting waiting lists, improving ambulance response times, all to fix the mess they left behind. And people should be in no doubt given the chance they would do it again. They imposed the investment. They oppose the reform.
They can never.
They can never.
12:24
Alex Ballinger MP (Halesowen, Labour)
-
-
Alex Ballinger MP (Halesowen, Labour)
Be. >> I welcome the changes under the Gambling White Paper for the responsibilities for the Department on the Treatment and prevention of on the Treatment and prevention of gambling Harms. And as part of these new responsibilities, will the Secretary of State undertake to committing a review of the impact of gambling, advertising, marketing and sponsorship on public health, including the health and wellbeing of children and young people?
12:24
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
Hey Minister. question. We acknowledge the important issue of the potential negative impact that gambling advertising may have on children and young people's health. My and young people's health. My officials continue to work very closely with officials at the Department for culture, Media and Sport, and I'll be discussing this issue with the Minister for gambling, who is responsible for gambling advertising policy. We continue to keep the public health evidence under review and consider suitable action to protect individuals and communities from gambling harms.
12:25
-
Mr. Andrew, Shadow Secretary of State Thank. for change, the government committed to meet the 18 week standard for routine operations and latest data suggests the government latest data suggests the government is not on track to meet this commitment by the end of the parliament in December, less people were treated within 18 weeks than the previous month. So will the Secretary of State now accept the reality that patients are seeing? And as the IFS have warned, the government will not deliver its government will not deliver its commitment on its key milestone to deliver the 18 week standard?
12:25
Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP (Daventry, Conservative)
-
-
Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP (Daventry, Conservative)
Mr. speaker, I will never surrender to the tyranny of low expectations of the party opposite. We have cut waiting lists by 330,000 since we came to office, and waiting lists are now at their lowest level in three years. We made progress despite strikes. We made progress despite winter pressures, and we've made progress despite every bit of investment and modernisation has been opposed by the party opposite. Instead of the party opposite. Instead of criticising our record, he should apologise for his.
12:26
12:26
Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP (Daventry, Conservative)
-
-
Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP (Daventry, Conservative)
the 20. Mr. speaker, on the 29th of September I wrote to the Secretary of State regarding the late Doctor of State regarding the late Doctor Susan Maya Ellis campaign for better research into lobular breast cancer. Sadly, to date, I still cancer. Sadly, to date, I still haven't had a reply. She established the moonshot project and the last government committed and the last government committed to support its aims. However, despite meeting the Secretary of State, the project say they still State, the project say they still have no clarity on how the project and research will be expedited.
So can the Secretary of State confirm now government approval for the funding required for this critical research for so many women in this country?
So can the Secretary of State confirm now government approval for the funding required for this critical research for so many women in this country?
12:27
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
Well, firstly, Mr. Speaker, can I apologise to the Shadow Secretary I apologise to the Shadow Secretary of State for not having replied to his letter? Let me make sure I do that. The second thing, on the substance of of the issue where substance of of the issue where there is no disagreement across the house, I'm absolutely supportive of house, I'm absolutely supportive of and wanting to fund this research. We've got to make sure that the research proposal meets the standards and has the confidence of our funders.
I want to make sure and we are working with the team to try and get it over the line, but that's the only obstacle here. It's certainly not a political decision.
I want to make sure and we are working with the team to try and get it over the line, but that's the only obstacle here. It's certainly not a political decision.
12:27
Euan Stainbank MP (Falkirk, Labour)
-
-
Euan Stainbank MP (Falkirk, Labour)
Euan Stainbank speaker many people in Falkirk face barriers accessing treatment. >> Juggling often contradictory bits of paper regarding appointments across different health boards. What assessment has the Minister made of this government's NHS digital government's NHS digital transformation strategy for improving treatment, compared to the strategy being pursued for healthcare available to my constituents by the Scottish Government? Mr.
12:28
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
Mr. speaker, this UK Labour government is spending billions of government is spending billions of pounds upgrading the digital architecture of the NHS in England. This means now that over 90% of GPS This means now that over 90% of GPS offer appointments online, and by 2029, we will have a single patient record for patients and their clinicians to access all of their information. Contrast this with the digital desert that exists in Scotland, and that is why it is time for analogue John to move over and make way for Anas Sarwar as First Minister to save Scotland's NHS.
12:28
Tessa Munt MP (Wells and Mendip Hills, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Tessa Munt MP (Wells and Mendip Hills, Liberal Democrat)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this month, I joined Southwest Ambulance Service for a shift, Ambulance Service for a shift, which was an incredibly humbling experience. At the hospital, I met paramedic science students who told me that it's almost impossible for them to get a job. Only eight of the last year's 120 paramedic science students actually got a job. Universities assure students they can definitely get employment as a graduate, but the ambulance services have a massive Poole 200 in my local case.
So I just wondered what it is and they don't have the time. They haven't advertised a single job in the last six months. What's the Minister going to do to actually make sure that this amazing, this amazing escape reality?
So I just wondered what it is and they don't have the time. They haven't advertised a single job in the last six months. What's the Minister going to do to actually make sure that this amazing, this amazing escape reality?
12:29
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
The hon. Member highlights a real challenge we've inherited of the disconnection between undergraduate education and training, and then the jobs that are available. We are addressing that with the work we're doing on the workforce plan. I do want to place on record my thanks to South West Ambulance Service. In December, they improved ambulance response times by just under 30 minutes for
**** Possible New Speaker ****
category two. There are still big challenges in the South West, but I think that team deserves credit for the improvement they've led. Sarah Edwards.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Sarah Edwards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents are forced to travel
**** Possible New Speaker ****
category two. There are still big challenges in the South West, but I think that team deserves credit for the improvement they've led. Sarah Edwards.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Sarah Edwards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents are forced to travel
12:29
Sarah Edwards MP (Tamworth, Labour)
-
-
Sarah Edwards MP (Tamworth, Labour)
to Burton Derby Sutton Coldfield. >> For their NHS treatment that. >> Can't be provided at the local community diagnostic.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
community diagnostic. Centre, and some travel up to 30 miles for chemotherapy with little or no public transport. So could I or no public transport. So could I ask what the Secretary of State is doing to deliver healthcare investment locally, and also to improve the transport links between NHS sites so that those who need to use it can get to their treatment.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
community diagnostic. Centre, and some travel up to 30 miles for chemotherapy with little or no public transport. So could I or no public transport. So could I ask what the Secretary of State is doing to deliver healthcare investment locally, and also to improve the transport links between NHS sites so that those who need to use it can get to their treatment.
12:30
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
-
-
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
Minister. >> Minister. >> The hon. Lady has an important point about the need to have further rollouts of cdks, further rollouts of cdks, particularly for her sorts of communities. We're expanding those. We're expanding the time available for them. We're also expanding access through the front door to the NHS app and through digital, and our new online hospital service will also improve the sorts of issues she meant, so that we bring services closer to her patients and not expect them to have to travel Martin Vickers.
12:30
Martin Vickers MP (Brigg and Immingham, Conservative)
-
-
Martin Vickers MP (Brigg and Immingham, Conservative)
Thank you. >> Doctor came to my surgery and produced a letter that he and around 100 other doctors and consultants from Grimsby Hospital had sent to the then interim chair. Concerned about a rundown of services at Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals and a further concentration on Hull. This is made worse by a series of interim chief execs and chairs. Could the Minister give an assurance that Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals will not see any run down in the services?
12:31
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
-
-
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
I understand the issues that he and many other members have raised in Grimsby, my friend for Grimsby in Grimsby, my friend for Grimsby and other areas in the Lincolnshire area, it is important that the clinical mapping for the new services are supported by clinicians and by local people, and I'm happy to continue to talk to him and others about about the progress. With that, I'm in touch with NHS England team and they assure me that they are continuing to do that. I understand also the difficulties of.
12:31
Noah Law MP (St Austell and Newquay, Labour)
-
-
Noah Law MP (St Austell and Newquay, Labour)
In 2020. >> For my Wendy. >> Fractured three vertebrae from osteoporosis after being denied. >> A Dexa.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Scan, spending three months in hospital and suffering lasting harm. Will the Minister review Dexa Will the Minister review Dexa eligibility and expand local access to prevent future fractures and save the NHS costs?
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Scan, spending three months in hospital and suffering lasting harm. Will the Minister review Dexa Will the Minister review Dexa eligibility and expand local access to prevent future fractures and save the NHS costs?
12:31
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
-
-
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Bristol South, Labour)
He makes a really important point about Dexa scans how important they are for osteoporosis, particularly for women. We have particularly for women. We have already expanded the Dexa scans across the country this year. We have also allocated more capital have also allocated more capital funding for such capital investment, and we will be announcing the allocations in due course.
12:32
Luke Taylor MP (Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Luke Taylor MP (Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat)
Luke Taylor thank you, Mr. Speaker. Cancer services are due to Speaker. Cancer services are due to move from Royal Marsden to the Evelina Hospital next year. Concerns have been raised with me about the provision of a teaching space for children who are undergoing cancer treatment and its provision in the new plans. So will the Minister meet with me to discuss that transition and confirm that the Department of Health and Social Care is working with the Department for education to ensure a high quality hospital school is transition.
12:32
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
-
-
Ashley Dalton MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (West Lancashire, Labour)
Mr. Secretary. >> Mr. Secretary. >> I thank him for his question, as he's probably aware, the cancer plan, this government's cancer plan, which I launched just over a week ago, is the first ever cancer plan to have a section on children and young people with cancer and to commit to supporting children holistically throughout their cancer journey. I'd be more than happy to have a conversation with him about the issues that he's raised.
12:33
Ms Julie Minns MP (Carlisle, Labour)
-
-
Ms Julie Minns MP (Carlisle, Labour)
Mr Speaker, a resident in my Carlisle constituency, was initially told to take a round trip of almost 200 miles to receive of almost 200 miles to receive hospital treatment in Glasgow because he was registered with his nearest GP, which just happened to be in Scotland. Can the Minister tell the House what progress is being made in reviewing and guidance?
12:33
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
So thank you, Mr. Speaker. Glasgow is a great place to to get Glasgow is a great place to to get medical care. I can attest to that. But you shouldn't have to travel 200 miles to get medical care. The 200 miles to get medical care. The hon. Lady and I have had many discussions on this topic. I'm very glad to continue those discussions. She knows that treatment along the border is subject to service level agreements in both English trusts and Scottish health boards, but it should be much more porous and much more accommodating than it is, and I am happy to take those discussions with her further later.
12:34
Victoria Collins MP (Harpenden and Berkhamsted, Liberal Democrat)
-
-
Victoria Collins MP (Harpenden and Berkhamsted, Liberal Democrat)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. wait weeks for a GP appointment, and yet her village is facing up to 70% increase. So that's thousands of new patients and some of that speculative development. So does the Minister agree that council should have the powers to ensure that planning approvals are dependent on first securing healthcare to serve those new residents? And will the Minister commit to ensuring that NHS planning cycles are aligned with this housing development? To ensure communities do not have to wait weeks, months or years?
12:34
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
Well, I thank her for that question. On the the subject of GP question. On the the subject of GP access, I'm delighted that 75% of patients now say it's easy to patients now say it's easy to contact their GP. A sizeable 14 percentage point increase since July 2024. Really positive July 2024. Really positive development that I'm sure the hon. Lady would want to welcome. With regard to planning, of course, it's very important that you've got the ECB and the council and the developers joined up together.
We need to make sure that happens. There's also the Primary Care utilisation Fund, which her constituents may be interested in.
We need to make sure that happens. There's also the Primary Care utilisation Fund, which her constituents may be interested in.
12:34
Peter Swallow MP (Bracknell, Labour)
-
-
Peter Swallow MP (Bracknell, Labour)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> That two. >> Mental health. >> Support teams are already at work in Bracknell Forest, supporting almost 4/5 of local pupils with timely, targeted mental health support. There's a lot more to do to fix the Cam system, but could the Minister set out how school based interventions are
**** Possible New Speaker ****
beginning to deliver change to. Mental health support teams, provide innovative, early support for children and young people in schools and colleges? And please, schools and colleges? And please, these are working well in Bracknell Forest to up to 900,000 additional pupils will have access by the
**** Possible New Speaker ****
beginning to deliver change to. Mental health support teams, provide innovative, early support for children and young people in schools and colleges? And please, schools and colleges? And please, these are working well in Bracknell Forest to up to 900,000 additional pupils will have access by the
12:35
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
pupils will have access by the spring, and we're accelerating the roll out to reach full national coverage by 2029. >> Bradley Thomas. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Several
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Several weeks ago, I received an. Email from a local Bromsgrove GP who told me that a ten month old who told me that a ten month old child nearly died after ambulance delays. But worse, the same day, another patient, a 66 year old driving instructor, suffered a cardiac arrest on a driving lesson. cardiac arrest on a driving lesson. He died whilst being driven to the hospital by his wife. My constituents demand a better service, better response times.
Mr. service, better response times. Mr. speaker, what is the government going to do about this? And will the Secretary of State meet with me and the concerned GP who wrote to and the concerned GP who wrote to me to address this issue?
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Several weeks ago, I received an. Email from a local Bromsgrove GP who told me that a ten month old who told me that a ten month old child nearly died after ambulance delays. But worse, the same day, another patient, a 66 year old driving instructor, suffered a cardiac arrest on a driving lesson. cardiac arrest on a driving lesson. He died whilst being driven to the hospital by his wife. My constituents demand a better service, better response times.
Mr. service, better response times. Mr. speaker, what is the government going to do about this? And will the Secretary of State meet with me and the concerned GP who wrote to and the concerned GP who wrote to me to address this issue?
12:35
12:36
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
NHS being there for people when they need it and not being there when they need it, and people will when they need it, and people will be aware of tragic case over the weekend involving a woman in her 90s in the Isle of Wight, which we are looking into. Ambulance are looking into. Ambulance response times are improving, but I would not pretend that they are good enough. We've done a lot, good enough. We've done a lot, there is a lot more to do and he is painfully and powerfully underscored.
What happens when the NHS is not there for people when NHS is not there for people when they need it? That's the NHS we inherited and that's the NHS that I'm determined to change.
What happens when the NHS is not there for people when NHS is not there for people when they need it? That's the NHS we inherited and that's the NHS that I'm determined to change.
12:36
Peter Lamb MP (Crawley, Labour)
-
-
Peter Lamb MP (Crawley, Labour)
Mr. commitment. The trust are now breaking. Can the Minister meet with me to discuss how local services can be preserved and
**** Possible New Speaker ****
improved? Minister. I'm happy to discuss that particular issue with him. We are particular issue with him. We are determined to have co-located UTC. I know that's a matter for the local commissioner, but I'm happy
**** Possible New Speaker ****
improved? Minister. I'm happy to discuss that particular issue with him. We are particular issue with him. We are determined to have co-located UTC. I know that's a matter for the local commissioner, but I'm happy
12:37
12:37
Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South, Independent)
-
-
Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South, Independent)
visual disabilities. Last year alone, it served 21,000 people. Sadly, Vista is imminently going to be closed down if it cannot raise £2 million by the end of March. If it does so, the devastating effect on the National Health Service and social care service will be will be unimaginable. So will the Minister meet with me and other local MPs and representatives of the University Hospital, Leicester, to discuss what we can do to save Vista.
12:37
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
-
-
Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care) (Aberafan Maesteg, Labour)
Minister. pay tribute to Vista for the outstanding work that it's doing. Improving it. Connectivity, of course, is a vital part of what course, is a vital part of what we're doing, and the single point of access project is of relevance in that context. I'd be more than happy if he were to write to me, and we could look at the particular issue that he's raising.
12:37
Paul Waugh MP (Rochdale, Labour )
-
-
Paul Waugh MP (Rochdale, Labour )
Paul Waugh Mr Speaker in >> Paul Waugh Mr Speaker in Rochdale. We need more midwives to provide the safe staffing levels that our mums to be rightly expect. that our mums to be rightly expect. But newly qualified midwives are often finding that it's difficult to find jobs when they qualify. So can the Minister explain exactly when the NHS workforce plan is due, so he can give reassurance to these
**** Possible New Speaker ****
newly qualified midwives that they've got a career in the NHS that's actually been going to. Secretary of State.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
I'm grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue. The NHS Workforce Plan will be published in spring. I recognise the challenge spring. I recognise the challenge he sets out. We are determined to address it. We desperately need more midwives and we certainly need
**** Possible New Speaker ****
newly qualified midwives that they've got a career in the NHS that's actually been going to. Secretary of State.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
I'm grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue. The NHS Workforce Plan will be published in spring. I recognise the challenge spring. I recognise the challenge he sets out. We are determined to address it. We desperately need more midwives and we certainly need
12:38
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
good clinical leadership in this area. And that's what the government's working. >> To Andrew George. Mr. speaker.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Minor injuries units are being phased out in urgent treatment centres like the brilliant one. West Cornwall Hospital in my constituency had its hours cut under the Conservatives and that those have not been restored. This those have not been restored. This clearly helps to take the pressure off ambulance and emergency services. So what will Ministers do services. So what will Ministers do to ensure that those services are reinforced rather than reduced?
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Minor injuries units are being phased out in urgent treatment centres like the brilliant one. West Cornwall Hospital in my constituency had its hours cut under the Conservatives and that those have not been restored. This those have not been restored. This clearly helps to take the pressure off ambulance and emergency services. So what will Ministers do services. So what will Ministers do to ensure that those services are reinforced rather than reduced?
12:39
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
-
-
Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ilford North, Labour)
Well, Mr. Speaker, one of the one of the rationales for both the one of the rationales for both the ten year plan, but also the medium term planning that we're doing across the NHS, is to ensure better integration with the principle of people receiving the right care in the right place at the right time. Decisions about local configurations are obviously matters for local leaders, but we keep these things under review and if he has concerns, he should certainly write to us.
12:39
Lola McEvoy MP (Darlington, Labour)
-
-
Lola McEvoy MP (Darlington, Labour)
Final question Lola McEvoy. Darlington Memorial Hospital is part of DfT, which recently has been marred by a scandal of over operation in our breast services. We know that many women came to harm as a result of these failures, but we are yet to find out how many women and the full extent of the harm, because the trust have not completed the comprehensive lookback. Will the Minister meet with me to ensure that our trust has all the resources they need to learn the lessons necessary to ensure that no women in my area or in the country have invasive and painful clinical procedures that they don't need.
12:39
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
-
-
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care (Glasgow South West, Labour)
Minister. >> Minister. >> Mr. speaker, my hon. Friend and I have had discussions regarding this matter before. I am happy to meet her to discuss this further. meet her to discuss this further. Patient safety is of paramount importance, especially when it comes to to surgery and breast surgery, and I am happy to meet her
**** Possible New Speaker ****
ministerial surgery. Just like the front bench change
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Just like the front bench change Right? Point of order Lewes.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Right? Point of order Lewes. On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, I would like to correct the record in relation to something I said during the last defence orals on
**** Possible New Speaker ****
ministerial surgery. Just like the front bench change
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Just like the front bench change Right? Point of order Lewes.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
Right? Point of order Lewes. On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, I would like to correct the record in relation to something I said during the last defence orals on
12:40
12:40
Louise Sandher-Jones MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (North East Derbyshire, Labour)
-
-
Louise Sandher-Jones MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (North East Derbyshire, Labour)
organisations, and his role was limited to working with the Law Society on points of law. However, since then it has been brought to my attention that in 2006, the Prime Minister was instructed to represent an individual by the law firm for which Mr. Shiner was the principal solicitor. So I would like to take this earliest opportunity to apologise to the House and to correct the record.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
House and to correct the record. Very. Very embarrassing. I thank the Member for a point of order and for placing her correction on the record. We now come to further point of order Alicia Kearns. health.
**** Possible New Speaker ****
House and to correct the record. Very. Very embarrassing. I thank the Member for a point of order and for placing her correction on the record. We now come to further point of order Alicia Kearns. health.
12:41
Mr Speaker
-
Mr Speaker
Questions just now, the health Minister said that for the first time ever, there will be a children's cancer strategy as part of a cancer strategy. However, the government scrapped the children's government scrapped the children's cancer strategy that we had put in place. So should the Minister not come and correct the record for having misled the House?
12:41
Alicia Kearns MP (Rutland and Stamford, Conservative)
-
-
Alicia Kearns MP (Rutland and Stamford, Conservative)
First of all, it's not a point of order, and the fact is we're going to carry on the debate, but it's not for me to accept whether it was right or wrong. But what I would say is, you've certainly got the point of order. I'm sorry we didn't get any questions. Madam said the point of order. Right. Let us come to a presentation of the bill. Munira Wilson.
12:41
12:42
Rt Hon Esther McVey MP (Tatton, Conservative)
-
-
Rt Hon Esther McVey MP (Tatton, Conservative)
leave be given to bring in a bill to introduce compulsory labelling of halal and kosher meat and products containing halal and kosher meat, and for connected purposes. Mr. speaker, this is a bill about animal welfare, transparency in meat production and consumer choice. It does not seek to ban halal or kosher meat. It seeks to ensure they are clearly labelled. It is important consumers have such information so they can make an informed choice about what they are buying. And currently consumers do not have that information and many are purchasing and consuming halal and kosher meat without their knowledge and without their agreement.
The unique process of halal and kosher meat requires the animal to have its throat slit. In the case of halal meat, the animal is often stunned before it's killed, although it might not be, and for the killing. For kosher meat, there is no pre stunning. This lack of stunning causes the animal to experience severe pain. An individual concerned about animal welfare would want to know if an animal has been stunned prior to slaughter. Likewise, there are many religious groups who want to know what they are consuming too.
And if meat has been blessed by another religion. In all these cases, clear labelling is essential to make an informed choice. Currently, the legislation that regulates animal slaughter is set out in assimilated EU regulation 1099 2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing, as well as in the welfare of animals at the time of killing. England Regulations 2015. Under these laws, animals must be stunned before killing, but exemptions exist for killing without stunning in accordance with specific religious rites.
Added to that, there are currently no requirements for such meat to be labelled and what was once an exemption to the accepted stunning process of animals has become a growing part of the UK's meat market. The government's own figures show that of the 1.35 billion animals processed in English and Welsh slaughterhouses in 2024, an estimated 214.6 million were slaughtered to produce halal meat. The analysis shows the total meat supplied by Non-stun Slaughter is about four times greater than the population of Muslims and Jews in the UK.
So while government guidance is clear that Non-stun slaughter must be intended for consumption by Jews or Muslims,
The unique process of halal and kosher meat requires the animal to have its throat slit. In the case of halal meat, the animal is often stunned before it's killed, although it might not be, and for the killing. For kosher meat, there is no pre stunning. This lack of stunning causes the animal to experience severe pain. An individual concerned about animal welfare would want to know if an animal has been stunned prior to slaughter. Likewise, there are many religious groups who want to know what they are consuming too.
And if meat has been blessed by another religion. In all these cases, clear labelling is essential to make an informed choice. Currently, the legislation that regulates animal slaughter is set out in assimilated EU regulation 1099 2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing, as well as in the welfare of animals at the time of killing. England Regulations 2015. Under these laws, animals must be stunned before killing, but exemptions exist for killing without stunning in accordance with specific religious rites.
Added to that, there are currently no requirements for such meat to be labelled and what was once an exemption to the accepted stunning process of animals has become a growing part of the UK's meat market. The government's own figures show that of the 1.35 billion animals processed in English and Welsh slaughterhouses in 2024, an estimated 214.6 million were slaughtered to produce halal meat. The analysis shows the total meat supplied by Non-stun Slaughter is about four times greater than the population of Muslims and Jews in the UK.
So while government guidance is clear that Non-stun slaughter must be intended for consumption by Jews or Muslims,