Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeremy Hunt and Nigel Evans

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

The new data that the hon. Lady has talked about have been heavily contested this week by some of the most distinguished experts on mortality rates in the country. Academics do sometimes disagree, but Ministers have to decide. The fact is that the overwhelming evidence—whether it is on cancer, cardiac arrests, maternity or emergency surgery, and whether it is in big studies, small studies, UK studies or international studies—is that there is a weekend effect. This Government are determined to do something about it, and I gently say to the hon. Lady that she might consider whether something similar should be done in Scotland.

[Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con)]

18. I am fully signed up to the national health service, and that is why I want to see the reopening of Chorley A&E as soon as possible. Many of my constituents use it.In his compromising mood, will my right hon. Friend ensure that, as he talks to the junior doctors, whom I value greatly, the one thing that he will not compromise on is delivering a full service seven days a week?

[Mr Hunt]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. In the end, the British people’s passion for, and commitment to, the NHS is based upon its offering the highest standard of care for patients. It is sometimes difficult to take these decisions and sometimes we have arguments around them. I want to reassure him that my compromising mood is not a temporary thing. We have always wanted a negotiated solution, but there is one bit that we will not compromise on: the moment that the Government start doing things that mean that we are not delivering safe care for patients is the moment that we will fundamentally shake confidence in the NHS. This Government will not allow that to happen.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeremy Hunt and Nigel Evans

Tuesday 2nd June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

May I start by saying that it was an incredible privilege to work with the right hon. Gentleman on the Government Benches on mental health issues over many years? He was a great inspiration to many people in the mental health world for his championing of that cause. It is my absolute intention to ensure that his legacy is secure and that we continue to make real, tangible progress towards the parity of esteem that we both championed in government.

[Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con)]

I welcome the expansion of GP services to seven days a week. Will the Secretary of State remember rural areas such as Ribble Valley when GP services are expanded? Funnily enough, people who live in rural areas also get ill at the weekends.

[Mr Hunt]

We will absolutely remember them. That is why it is so important to embrace new technology. Sometimes people who have to travel long distances are able to use such things as Skype or to make a phone call to receive important advice. This is a big priority for us.