NHS Plan: Consultation

Baroness Pitkeathley Excerpts

Monday 2nd December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I can confirm that both the online portal and the “workshop in a box” to which I just referred will be available in easy read and British Sign Language versions, and in other languages. Attention has been given to those for whom English is not their first language; in-person events can be tailored to their needs—for example, by having smaller groups. The staff to whom the noble Baroness refers are a major group being asked to provide input; indeed, they are taking part in online workshops and can respond online.

[Baroness Pitkeathley (Lab)]

My Lords, does my noble friend the Minister agree that one of the groups that sometimes finds it difficult to interact with health service professionals is unpaid carers? Despite the huge contribution that they make, they often have their needs ignored by those providing services. Does she therefore agree that it is very important that the voice of the unpaid carer is heard in the consultation process?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I agree with my noble friend: we have to hear from unpaid carers, because that will strengthen the exercise. We are constantly monitoring which groups are responding and which are not, and that allows us to tailor our approach to the underrepresented groups who are not coming forward. If that includes unpaid carers, the consultation absolutely will make special, tailored efforts to reach them.