Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Dan Poulter and Neil Carmichael

Tuesday 26th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con)]

T4. In contrast to the previous Government’s lack of focus, what have this Government done about hospital infection control, with particular reference to data management systems?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Dr Daniel Poulter)]

My hon. Friend makes an important point, and I hope that he will be reassured that under the current Government, clostridium difficile and MRSA rates are both about 50% lower than they were under the previous Government. We will continue to make sure that we reduce unacceptable hospital infections.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Dan Poulter and Neil Carmichael

Tuesday 22nd October 2013 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Dr Daniel Poulter)]

On 12 November last year, I announced the allocation of a £25 million capital fund to the NHS to improve maternity services across the country, and that has supported improvements in 110 maternity care settings. I am pleased to say that, of that figure, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was awarded £150,000 to refurbish the Stroud maternity unit.

[Neil Carmichael]

I thank the Minister for that encouraging answer. We now have 1,400 new midwives since 2010. Coupled with the very welcome recent investment in Stroud maternity unit, does he agree that this represents a real choice for expectant mothers and an excellent maternity service in general?

[Dr Poulter]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the fact that when we came into Government there was a historical shortage of investment in maternity and midwifery care. We now have almost 1,400 more midwives in the work force, training commissions are being maintained at a record high, and we are continuing to invest in on-the-ground capital projects to support the birthing environment for women.