Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sean Woodcock and Andrew Gwynne

Tuesday 23rd July 2024 Commons Chamber

[Sean Woodcock (Banbury) (Lab)]

12. Whether he plans to hold discussions with NHS staff and patients on his plans for reforming NHS health and social care services.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Andrew Gwynne)]

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury—words I did not think I would ever say—and welcome him to his place. The answer to his question is yes. We do not just want to discuss with patients and staff; we want them to help shape the 10-year plan for the next decade of reform, which will take our NHS from the worst crisis in its history and make it fit for the future. Social care also needs to change. We will work with care workers and care users to build consensus for and shape a new national care service.

[Sean Woodcock]

Does the Minister agree that the voices of frontline staff, whether in hospitals such as the Horton general hospital in Banbury or carers like my mum, are still often ignored when it comes to whistleblowing? More worryingly, those voices are silenced by threats to report them to regulatory bodies. Does he agree that we need to level the field of accountability for managers who ignore whistleblowers, and that there should be a regulatory body with oversight of medical managers?

[Andrew Gwynne]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have previously said that bank managers are more regulated than NHS managers. This Labour Government will pursue an agenda of greater accountability, transparency and candour when it comes to those making managerial and executive decisions in our national health service.