NHS: Winter Challenges

Lord Reid of Cardowan Excerpts

Monday 10th October 2022 Lords Chamber

[Lord Markham (Con)]

I do not have the detail on the 12-hour wait-list at this moment, but I will come back to the noble Baroness with a detailed written response.

[Lord Reid of Cardowan (Lab)]

My Lords, I welcome the Minister. I am delighted that he has his position but I have to say that I do not envy him. Some months ago, I pointed out to his predecessor—who, very fortunately, is sitting next to him—that the number of people on waiting lists had increased over the past 20 years from 0.5 million, which the last Labour Government still regarded as far too high, to 4 million before Covid and 6 million when I asked the question. I asked the then Minister what the Government were doing about it. He kindly explained what they would do, but since that time the number on waiting lists has moved from 6 million to 6.8 million. Since that means that 6.8 million people are waiting in pain, trepidation and fear, will the Minister make it his highest priority to bring what business acumen he can to make sure that choice is extended to patients? It is choice for patients that will bring down the waiting lists, whether they wish to go to another NHS hospital or to a hospital in the private sector provided free at the point of need.

[Lord Markham (Con)]

I agree with those excellent points. As someone who is also responsible for the new hospital build programme, which can give that choice and make sure we have the most effective system, that is top of my agenda.