Oral Answers to Questions

Edward Leigh Excerpts

Tuesday 10th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Norman Lamb]

My hon. and learned Friend has raised an extremely important point. It is essential that the maximum possible use be made of investment. I know that the Secretary of State will look into this issue when he has received the letter, but we must ensure that all such facilities are properly used.

[Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con)]

14. What steps he plans to take to improve the provision of health services in the east midlands.

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Lamb)]

Decisions about local services should be made as close to patients as possible, by those who are best placed to work with patients and the public to understand their needs. Clinical commissioning groups commission the majority of health services, working with health and care professionals to design services for local populations.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

In large rural areas like Lincolnshire, the air ambulance can make the difference between life and death, particularly for car crashes where roads are blocked. What plans does the Minister have to strengthen the services of the East Midlands air ambulance service?

[Norman Lamb]

I will be very happy to discuss the issue with my hon. Friend, if he would like to do so. I pay tribute to the extraordinary work the air ambulance services undertake across our country. I have witnessed that in my own community and I would be very happy to talk further about what more can be done to strengthen the work they do.