Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Sturdy Excerpts

Tuesday 13th January 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con)]

13. What progress his Department has made on its long-term plans for easing pressures on A and E departments and preparing the NHS for the future.

[Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con)]

15. What progress his Department has made on its long-term plans for easing pressures on A and E departments and preparing the NHS for the future.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

16. What progress his Department has made on its long-term plans for easing pressures on A and E departments and preparing the NHS for the future.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Hunt]

I am aware of the problems with that deal, signed back in 2005, which is now consuming 17% of the trust’s income. It would like to spend that income on more doctors and nurses, but it cannot because of the shockingly bad deal signed. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss what is possible in the current circumstances.

[Julian Sturdy]

There are many causes of the pressure on A and E, and in more rural areas direct access to services can be difficult and costly. As such, will the Secretary of State consider investing further money in new technologies that could drive a revolution in health care facilities, and if such opportunities present themselves, may I promote York and north Yorkshire as an ideal testing ground for these technologies, given its ageing population and rurality?

[Mr Hunt]

I remember my hon. Friend’s campaigning on superfast broadband in north Yorkshire from my last portfolio. He is absolutely right that technology has a big role to play. That is why a year and a half ago the Prime Minister announced plans to expand weekend and evening GP appointments through the use of technology, which is already helping 5.5 million people and by March will be helping 7.5 million people. We must absolutely consider this as a solution.