The Lancaster MP has asked the Government what is being done to reduce waiting lists as part of a catch-up programme to tackle the elective-care backlog in the NHS.
There are currently hundreds of thousands of people on waiting lists for joint replacement surgery alone, with the matter discussed in Parliament this week.
The Government’s proposed health and social care reforms, commits the NHS to drive forward ‘the biggest catch-up programme’ in its history, with a goal of delivering around 30% more elective activity by 2024/25 than before the pandemic.
Cat Smith was speaking in a debate on the matter in the House of Commons, as the UK government announced the publication of its plan for NHS elective care recovery in England.
She told the debate: ‘’Waiting lists for joint replacements are at a record high.
‘’I’ve been contacted by dozens of constituents who are waiting with (conditions such as) arthritis and are in a lot of pain.
‘’What can the minister say for the over 600,000 people who are waiting nationally, and has he met with (charity) Versus Arthritis about this issue?’’
In response, Edward Agar MP, Minister of State in Dept of Health and Social Care, said: ‘’The Honourable Lady makes a very important point. This kind of planned surgery is a key part of what the NHS does.
‘’Although it may not directly impact on their life chances, it certainly does impact on their quality of life and their ability to enjoy life.
‘’I can give her some good news that I’m due to meet with Versus Arthritis later this week, to discuss their work and ideas and how we can incorporate that into our plans going forward.’’
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