NHS: Heart Valve Disease

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I am reassured that the noble Lord can assist within five minutes—we might consider engaging him. The serious point is that early diagnosis is important, and the modern service framework will build on the work that has already been done. I know that the noble Lord is aware of this, but just the use of a stethoscope is the way to make an early and initial diagnosis. We are upping our game here by bringing in AI-assisted stethoscopes, which will be a massive assistance for diagnosis.

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Forsyth of Drumlean)]

My Lords, the noble Baroness, Lady Brinton, is taking part remotely. I invite her to ask her supplementary question.

[Baroness Brinton (LD) [V]]

My Lords, the Resuscitation Council UK, the British Cardiovascular Society and the National Council for Palliative Care have excellent and sensitive joint guidance on the use of cardiovascular implants towards the end of life. My family’s experience in different parts of the country shows that not all cardiac surgeons take account of end-of-life care in patients. In one case, a patient was told that she would not be allowed to leave the hospital until she had a pacemaker, despite the fact that, at 88 years old, she did not want one and, two years on, bitterly regrets finally agreeing. Can the Minister say whether the review that she just mentioned will ensure that surgeons follow the guidance and work not only with patients but with their other clinicians?