Oral Answers to Questions

Kate Osborne Excerpts

Tuesday 28th January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab)]

10. What recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of life expectancy.

[Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab)]

22. What recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of life expectancy.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ms Nadine Dorries)]

Although life expectancy at birth remains the highest it has been, we want everyone to have the same opportunity to have a long, healthy life, whoever they are, wherever they live and whatever their background. We are committed to giving everyone five extra years of healthy life by 2035, and to addressing the needs of areas with the poorest health.

[Kate Osborne]

Life expectancy advances depend on good local service provision. Does the Minister agree with me and the people of Jarrow that, following the devastating closure of St Clare’s Hospice, we should take all possible steps to ensure that palliative care provision is put in place urgently in Jarrow constituency? Will she meet me to discuss this important issue?

[Ms Dorries]

I am unaware of the closure of that hospice, but my door is open to the hon. Lady. If she would like to see me at the back of the Speaker’s Chair after questions, we can arrange a suitable time to discuss the issue.