Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Gideon Excerpts

Tuesday 10th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Dr Kieran Mullan (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con)]

12. What steps his Department is taking to increase the range of healthcare professionals permitted to administer low-risk medicines.

[Jo Gideon (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Con)]

18. What steps his Department is taking to increase the range of healthcare professionals permitted to administer low-risk medicines.

[The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Matt Hancock)]

We are currently considering all options to increase the range of healthcare professionals permitted to administer low-risk medicines. This is all part of making sure that our NHS workforce is as flexible as possible, and we will do that in the light of what can be done, while of course keeping a highlight on patient safety.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jo Gideon]

Would my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the Government’s commitment to an extra 26,000 primary care staff and confirm that this will improve access to primary care services for my constituents in Stoke-on-Trent Central?

[Matt Hancock]

Yes, the 26,000 extra staff, as well as the extra GPs in primary care, are going to improve the position, but we also taking steps to improve access by making sure that people can access primary care in the best possible way. I can be clear to the House today that we will take a digital first approach to accessing primary care and out-patient appointments, so that, wherever clinically and practically possible, people can access—and should access—primary care through phones and digital means. This is especially important in the current coronavirus outbreak. Already, a roll-out has started, but we will make this across the country with immediate effect.