Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Karin Smyth and Kirith Entwistle

Tuesday 14th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Kirith Entwistle (Bolton North East) (Lab)]

T3. Short waiting lists for cataract surgery are a success story, thanks in part to the partnership between the NHS and providers such as SpaMedica, headquartered in my constituency. However, ICB indicative activity plans could see waiting lists increase from weeks to over four months. How will cataract patients be protected while we maintain those all-important short waiting lists?

[The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)]

Ophthalmology waiting lists have fallen since we have taken office. Average waiting times have reduced, and 18-week performance has improved. ICBs have the flexibility to commission services across specialties within a fixed financial envelope, and may use contract levers to manage that activity. That is good management of public money to achieve the outcomes we want to see.