Learning Disabilities Mortality Review

Debate between Nigel Huddleston and Caroline Dinenage

Wednesday 15th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Dinenage]

I do recognise what the hon. Lady is saying. It is difficult to know how best to analyse something as tragic as a death—how to bring forward all the relevant expertise. That is why NHS England works with the University of Bristol on this programme. It is a very new programme—the report to be published shortly will only be the third one—and we are always open to ways in which it can be improved and seen to be more independent, more thorough and to make more difference.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

I welcome the review and understand the Minister’s reluctance to comment on rumours and leaks, but as a point of principle does she agree that access to specialist services and care, as well as early and accurate diagnosis, is really important and should be consistently applied across the country? Will she therefore assure me that people with learning disabilities in Worcestershire will receive the same good service as people elsewhere in the country—in Birmingham or London, for example?

[Caroline Dinenage]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that nobody with a learning disability, autism or any other condition should expect to receive worse care. Everybody should expect the same level of quality care, no matter who they are or where in the country they live. That is what we are working towards, and learning from deaths is a key element of helping to deliver that aim.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nigel Huddleston and Caroline Dinenage

Tuesday 24th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Dinenage]

There are in fact 2,300 more midwives in the NHS than there were in 2010, but the hon. Gentleman makes a very good point. We want to continue to attract the best people into midwifery, which is why we are providing an extra £500,000 to the NHS to cover the clinical placement costs for 650 additional students in 2019-20.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

4. What steps he is taking to reduce rates of childhood obesity.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nigel Huddleston and Caroline Dinenage

Thursday 2nd July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

21. What steps she is taking to increase support for women in business.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities and Family Justice (Caroline Dinenage)]

With more women in work than ever before, it is vital that they are able to fulfil their potential in business. That is why we are making it easier to balance work and family life, and promoting flexible working and shared parental leave. From next autumn, almost 2 million families could benefit from a new tax-free childcare scheme worth up to £2,000 per child.

[Nigel Huddleston]

Will my hon. Friend join me in applauding the efforts being made by traditionally male-dominated business organisations such as the CBI and the Institute of Directors to champion gender equality in the workplace, and for their efforts to increase female membership?

[Caroline Dinenage]

We welcome the work of the Institute of Directors and others to increase female membership. I congratulate Lady Barbara Judge, who has recently been appointed as the institute’s first female chair. It is vital that women are able to take their place in organisations that have traditionally been male dominated.