Oral Answers to Questions

Liz McInnes Excerpts

Tuesday 20th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Health (Stephen Barclay)]

My neighbour is correct that I know the hospital, not least because my son was born there, and he is absolutely right to highlight the importance of the work done at King’s Lynn and of the staff there. In the Budget the Chancellor signalled his additional commitment for the “Agenda for Change” staff, and those discussions are ongoing.

[Liz McInnes (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab)]

T3. My constituent, Rebecca, is a podiatrist. Last week she told me that the care that she provides is having to be rationed because of a combination of insufficient funding and staff shortages. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of the removal of the NHS bursary on the training of future podiatrists, and what action will he take to address the funding shortage?

[Stephen Barclay]

The reality is that the number of places is increasing, even if the number of applications is lower. The Government have signalled their commitment on pay. We have more clinicians, doctors and nurses, and we are treating more people. That is part of the success of the NHS under this Government.