In Prime Minister's question time in Parliament today, Barnet MP Theresa Villiers challenge Rishi Sunak to take further action to reduce how long people are waiting for NHS appointments and care.
A long-time champion of NHS services in her constituency, Theresa highlighted good news on the expansion of Barnet Hospital A&E and the improvement of the diagnostics hub at Finchley Memorial Hospital, but went on to acknowledge concerns from constituents about delays.
The Hansard report of the question and answer is as follows:
"Theresa Villiers MP
Barnet Hospital’s A&E is expanding, Finchley Memorial Hospital has had its diagnostics hub boosted by new equipment and there are more appointments in general practice locally than there were before the pandemic, but I still have constituents who are waiting too long for NHS care, so can I urge the Prime Minister to redouble his efforts to grow the NHS workforce and get waiting times down?
The Prime Minister
I am delighted to hear about the new community diagnostics centre at my right hon. Friend’s local hospital. We are working tirelessly to reduce the overall NHS waiting list, which has come down by around 200,000 since September last year. That is an achievement in light of the pressures from industrial action, but she is right: there is more to do. Our productivity plan will free up clinicians to spend more time with patients and, to her point, our long-term plan for the NHS will ensure that we train more doctors and more nurses to meet the workforce requirements of the NHS for the future."
Commenting after PMQs, Theresa said "Real progress is being made on tackling waiting times, thanks to the efforts of NHS staff and expansion of facilities at hospitals like Finchley Memorial; more improvements are on the way at Barnet A&E; and I heard directly from Chase Farm Hospital staff when I visited last week of the efforts going into clearing the Covid backlog of operations. The number of appointments in GP surgeries has also increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels."
"But as the Prime Minister acknowledged to me today, we need to ensure more progress is made to tackle delays. I'm concerned not just about hospital care but access to GP appointments too. I will always fight for the best NHS services for my constituents."
Digital imprint: Promoted by Theresa Villiers MP of 163 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SU.
