Oral Answers to Questions

Heidi Alexander Excerpts
Tuesday 7th July 2015

(8 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ben Gummer Portrait Ben Gummer
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The strength of the NHS forward view is that it is a creation of the NHS itself, and we, as the only party to back it in full with cash, will give it the kind of support it needs to make sure it is delivered.

Heidi Alexander Portrait Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab)
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How many maternity wards or emergency surgery departments currently located in district general hospitals will close as a result of the Government’s seven-day NHS plans?

Ben Gummer Portrait Ben Gummer
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It is telling that the hon. Lady wishes to talk about wards rather than outcomes. Over the last five years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of patients treated in emergency wards, and we will continue to see an increase, and the difference is that they will operate seven days a week, rather than just five days a week, as is currently the case for many services across the NHS.