Integrated Care Boards: Budgets

Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford Excerpts
Wednesday 17th June 2026

(1 month, 2 weeks ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Merron Portrait Baroness Merron (Lab)
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That is the very reason why the allocations currently take account of the special needs of areas such as rural areas. In the NHS Bill, we will bring NHSE into the department and will reduce the duplication and costs.

Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford Portrait Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford (Con)
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My Lords, virtual wards are an aspect of community transformation that has been scaling fast. Safety and outcomes will be maintained only with an appropriate workforce plan to meet that demand. Can the Minister say what plans are in place to address that workforce need?

Baroness Merron Portrait Baroness Merron (Lab)
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It is indeed the case that, as we move our services to the community and build around the patient, changes and improvements to staffing will be needed. The NHS workforce plan should be available and will be published in the not too distant future.