Musculoskeletal Health: Chiropractors

Lord Bishop of London Excerpts

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I am certainly happy to have such discussions. Perhaps I could use this opportunity to say to noble Lords that part of the recently published elective reform plan sets out funding to boost bone density scanning—or DEXA—capacity, to provide an estimated 29,000 extra scans per year. The work goes on also to support workforce health. For example, we are commencing training so that over 200 doctors and nurses can undertake occupational health training and qualifications. The numbers of physios and OTs are increasing. This is very much work in progress. I certainly agree with what the noble Lord said about the impact and extent of this; it really does affect so many.

[The Lord Bishop of London]

My Lords, according to the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance report on health inequalities and deprivation, an important way to reduce health inequalities in these conditions, particularly in those groups of people who are underserved, is to help them to manage their own conditions. Often it is much harder because they often have more than one complex condition; often they are much more complex and are picked up much later. One of the recommendations was around moving NHS care into the community. Could the Minister tell us what the Government are doing to encourage the NHS to build partnerships with community groups, including faith groups, to seek to reduce inequalities in these conditions and communities?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

Working with community-based organisations, including faith communities, has come up a number of times in the 10-year plan consultation, as I am sure the right reverend Prelate will find. I would certainly associate myself with the comments about the importance of getting healthcare provided in the community.