NHS 10-Year Plan

Baroness Thornton Excerpts

Wednesday 9th July 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I am very aware of the noble Lord’s work in this area, particularly on regeneration. As the plan outlines, looking at the new neighbourhood provision, and how to bring different neighbourhood and community services together, gives us a fantastic opportunity to make sure that the whole community is considered—for example, it will look at connectivity with the centres, which has not always been the case in the past. It is a great opportunity and I am very much aware that our colleagues in planning, and MHCLG generally, are involved in our discussions.

[Baroness Thornton (Lab)]

My Lords, I recently had a major operation by robotic surgery. It was very successful; I was out and at home within two and a half days. How will the rollout of this happen? For example, I happen to know that the Royal College of Surgeons at the moment offers only one online module on robotic surgery, which seems to me to be not adequate. What conversations are going on to make sure that this can be delivered?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

Robotic surgery is one of the areas generating enormous excitement, and I was very interested to hear of my noble friend’s experiences. I assure her that conversations are taking place, and I know that they will be part of the plan when we come to talk about delivery.