Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Ruane Excerpts

Tuesday 8th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Paul Burstow]

I am very grateful to the hon. Lady for her question, and she is absolutely right: that technology is invaluable. We want to ensure that it is available to the patients, and the tariff structures need to ensure that it is properly supported. She is right also that issues of equality in the service are key, and that is why we have maintained this Government’s commitment to supporting the NHS constitution and its commitment to promote equality in the system.

[Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab)]

What assessments has the Minister made of the work of academics, such as Robert Putnam, who claim that one of the biggest influences on health outcomes and recovery is social cohesion within a neighbourhood, friendship groups and families? If the Minister has made an assessment, is he putting forward any policies that will help to expand that area?

[Paul Burstow]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. Indeed, the importance of family and social networks is a key component of the vision for social care, which we set out in November. Importantly, social care can support those networks through support for family carers.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mrs Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab)]

Today is international women’s day, so let me pass on the good wishes of the women of Darlington to the Secretary of State.

[Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab)]

All of them.

[Mrs Chapman]

Indeed. However, what does the Secretary of State have to say to those women when they are angry and concerned at the proposal from the County Durham and Darlington foundation trust to move their maternity services from Darlington to Durham, 20 miles away?