NHS Waiting Lists

12 Mar

Question

NHS Waiting Lists

The Question session focused on the status of NHS waiting lists in Wales, involving cross-party discussions about healthcare funding and regional strategies. The primary emphasis was on discussing recent deliberations between the UK and Welsh Governments regarding initiatives aimed at reducing waiting times in the NHS.

Douglas McAllister initiated the session by highlighting positive developments due to ongoing investments. He criticized Plaid Cymru for voting against a significant funding injection, alleging a pattern where nationalist parties prioritize constitutional issues over substantive improvements. Jo Stevens echoed this sentiment, questioning the opposition party's refusal to support the additional funds.

£600 million

Investment voted against by Plaid Cymru, proposed to reduce NHS waiting lists in Wales.

Jim Shannon introduced the need for a comprehensive UK diabetes strategy to tackle region-wide healthcare delays, suggesting a collaborative effort akin to previous Westminster strategies that encompassed the whole UK. Jo Stevens, the Secretary of State, acknowledged the importance of regional and national collaborations and expressed willingness to discuss it further.

Positive progress

Current status of NHS waiting lists due to investments from UK and Welsh Governments.

The question session was marked by pointed accusations on political priorities and underscored the importance of cross-party and cross-regional collaboration to address major healthcare concerns.

Outcome

The session's outcome reinforced the narrative of cross-party division over NHS funding in Wales. It showcased Labour's critique of Plaid Cymru's fiscal decisions, while simultaneously signaling willingness for broader discussions on healthcare strategies, notably diabetes management.

Key Contributions

Douglas McAllister

Labour

Highlighted recent improvements in NHS waiting lists due to collaborative efforts by UK and Welsh Governments.

Jo Stevens

Agreed with McAllister, urging Plaid Cymru to justify blocking critical NHS funds.

Jim Shannon

DUP

Raised concerns about waiting times related to diabetes treatment, suggesting a unified UK strategy.

Original Transcript

Douglas McAllister

West Dunbartonshire

Lab

Question

UIN: 903064

6. What recent discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on NHS waiting lists.

The Secretary of State for Wales

Jo Stevens

I regularly meet the First Minister to discuss a wide range of matters, including NHS waiting lists. The latest data shows positive progress in reducing long waiting times and the size of the waiting list, thanks to investment by both the UK and Welsh Governments.

Douglas McAllister

I am appalled to hear that Plaid Cymru voted against £600 million of extra investment to bring down NHS waiting list in Wales, but I am afraid that this is a familiar story for our Scottish Members.

Does the Secretary of State agree that nationalist parties will always prioritise niche constitutional distractions over delivering priorities for working families and what they need and deserve?

Jim Shannon

Strangford

DUP

11:30

One of the issues with waiting lists in Wales, as is the case all across the United Kingdom, concerns those who have been waiting first for diabetes diagnosis and then for treatment.

There used to be a strategy in Westminster that encompassed not just England, but Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Would the Secretary of State support a similar strategy for the four regions together to address diabetes and what it is doing to this country?

Jo Stevens

11:30

We are talking about nations and regions, rather than just regions, but I would be happy to have a discussion with the hon. Gentleman outside the Chamber about that matter.

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