Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Gummer and Andy McDonald

Tuesday 5th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Ben Gummer]

My hon. Friend is right and there is a particularly complex series of circumstances in Worcestershire. I am determined to do something about that, and I want to meet him and his colleagues in the next few days to discuss possible options. I will then discuss those issues in turn with NHS England.

[Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab)]

T5. The management at James Cook university hospital in Middlesbrough is seeking to increase nurses’ current 30-minute meal break, which they struggle to take, to a compulsory unpaid 60-minute break that will result in nurses effectively working one shift a month unpaid. In their judgment that will do nothing to address the real issues of staff shortages and patient safety, but will merely disadvantage patients and nurses alike. Will the Secretary of State investigate the matter and write to me?

[Ben Gummer]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for bringing that issue to the attention of the House. All contracts should be governed by the “Agenda for Change” contract, and I would be concerned if there were deviations from that. I would welcome further detail on that so that I can respond to him.