NHS: Seven-day Working

Debate between Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen and Lord Kakkar

Monday 8th June 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen]

My Lords, I think that the answer that I gave before about the GP access fund answers what my noble friend was saying. As we know, the Government are committed to ensuring that everyone can get the care that they need, seven days a week. Seven-day services are backed by senior clinicians, who recognise the vast improvement in patient care that can be achieved. We know that it reduces patient mortality. Expanding services to seven days a week has the potential to improve the patient experience, reduce the length of stay and chance of readmission and make better use of expensive resources such as staff and equipment.

[Lord Kakkar (CB)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as chairman of University College London Partners. What assessment have Her Majesty's Government made of the potential impact of the European working time regulation on their aspiration to enhance seven-day working in the National Health Service?

[Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen]

My Lords, as outlined in the coalition agreement, the Government are committed to limiting the application of the working time directive in the UK.