Miscarriage Care
Debate between Baroness Merron and Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee(4 weeks, 1 day ago)
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Baroness Merron (Lab)
I hesitate to say “of course”, but the noble Lord is of course right. As I mentioned earlier, there is a range of reasons why miscarriage may be taking place. It therefore requires that whole-system approach, but also the life-course approach that I spoke of. I am also glad that through our research arm, the NIHR, we are funding research through Tommy’s, which we have spoken about already, on the beneficial effects of progesterone, to give one example. It is important that we continue, as we are doing, to invest in this research.
Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee (Non-Afl)
I am sure the Minister is aware that Northern Ireland now provides up to two weeks of statutory leave for those who endure miscarriage before 24 weeks. Are she and her colleagues in government looking at that across the UK?
Baroness Merron (Lab)
That is exactly why there is provision in the Employment Rights Act. We are consulting on the detail of how we can most effectively make it work, but it is quite right to do that, and I am glad we are following this example.
Type 2 Diabetes: Continuous Glucose Monitors
Debate between Baroness Merron and Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee(1 year, 6 months ago)
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Baroness Merron (Lab)
The noble Lord makes a helpful point. I can tell your Lordships’ House that diabetes testing is included as part of the NHS health check. If a person is identified as being at high risk of type 2 diabetes, they should be offered a blood sugar glucose test or a fasting glucose test. NICE produces guidelines on preventing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk, and that includes recommendations on risk assessments, including blood testing, which can include people with a high BMI. His point is extremely valid, some of that is in place and we will ensure that it continues.
Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee (Non-Afl)
My Lords, I am sure the Minister agrees that access to a GP is critical, whether that is in detecting and monitoring diabetes or, in relation to the first Question, detecting and monitoring cancer. Would she be surprised, therefore, that in Northern Ireland it is almost impossible to access a GP at present? Indeed, it is at an all-time low. Will she consider doing a comparative study across the United Kingdom to look at access to GPs because, unfortunately, I believe it is not a very good story at all.
Baroness Merron (Lab)
I hear what the noble Baroness says and I am glad to report that I met the Northern Ireland Health Minister recently, along with colleague Peers, to discuss a range of matters including differences across the nations. I will consider the point that she makes.