NHS Specialised Services

Debate between Kelvin Hopkins and Norman Lamb

Thursday 15th January 2015 Westminster Hall

[Norman Lamb]

I totally accept the point. Again, I hope to reassure the hon. Lady.

The hon. Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins) referred to robotic assistive surgery. I do not want to give him any particular hope, but it is always possible for new procedures to be added to the list of those that come within specialised commissioning. The prescribed specialist services advisory group keeps the list under review. Just as there are proposals to remove procedures, there is always the possibility, if the case is made and the four conditions that need to be taken into account are met, that additional areas can be included.

[Kelvin Hopkins]

I should have mentioned that robotics make possible an increase in non-invasive surgery, which is not only better for the patient, but much cheaper for the NHS, because there is less recovery time and so on.

[Norman Lamb]

I totally take that point. The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that the NHS must be, as he put it, at the cutting edge of new technologies and new ways to reduce the invasiveness of procedures, although I add that having things in specialised commissioning is not the only way for the NHS to do so.

The hon. Gentleman was at risk of going into too much detail when he started talking about various procedures. Despite being a Health Minister, I am at risk of passing out on such occasions, so I was glad that he stopped when he did.

[Kelvin Hopkins]

rose—

Care Homes

Debate between Kelvin Hopkins and Norman Lamb

Thursday 1st May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Norman Lamb]

My hon. Friend makes an important point and it is right to highlight the great places that are providing excellent care. The Care Quality Commission makes it clear that it encourages members of the public to come forward and alert it to concerns, but we must do much more to make it easy for members of the public, so that they understand exactly what they need to do if they have concerns.

[Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab)]

I applaud my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) for her comments, particularly on local authorities. A major factor in all this and across the care sector has been the widespread privatisation of very good local authority care homes. In my constituency, three superb homes were forcibly closed. They were loved by their staff, their residents and the families, and admired by local health professionals—all closed; all gone. Is it time to re-establish a role for local authorities in providing care services and making all care locally and democratically accountable?

[Norman Lamb]

Unacceptable standards of care must be condemned and challenged wherever they occur, whether in the private, public or voluntary sector. Mid Staffordshire hospital was an NHS hospital, yet awful things happened. We must be intolerant of abuse or neglect wherever it happens. On local authorities—the shadow Minister raised this point—we have the power to require the Care Quality Commission to inspect on specific issues, including where there are concerns about the commissioning of care. It is important that those powers are there to be used.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kelvin Hopkins and Norman Lamb

Tuesday 15th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Lamb)]

We published the Government’s alcohol strategy on 23 March 2012, and we are taking a comprehensive approach to reducing the incidence of alcohol-related disease and crime. Our strategy includes the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol, actions at local level, and pledges from industry under the responsibility deal.

[Kelvin Hopkins]

The number of UK deaths from liver cirrhosis has increased by five times since 1970, while in France, Italy and Spain it has halved, and is now lower than the number in Britain. Even more disturbing is the fact that thousands of babies are still being born every year in Britain permanently damaged by alcohol. When will the Government take urgent, effective action to deal with this crisis?

[Norman Lamb]

I entirely share the hon. Gentleman’s concern. The Government have already taken action: we set out a strategy in March last year, and we are now consulting on the introduction of a minimum alcohol price. That could save up to 700 lives a year in 10 years’ time, which would make a dramatic difference. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman supports what the Government are doing.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kelvin Hopkins and Norman Lamb

Thursday 24th May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Norman Lamb]

I am very grateful, Mr Speaker.

It is interesting to note that the evidence gathered from Germany suggests that there was very little change to the level of employment in small businesses after the reforms.

[Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab)]

The Million+ group of universities has concluded that the new fees regime to be imposed on mature students will deter many thousands of them from going to university. That will damage their life chances, and it could damage the universities, but it will also restrict the talent available in our economy. Will the Government think again about fees for mature students?