Lords debates the current performance of the NHS
16 June 2023
On Thursday 15 June, members of the Lords debated the current performance of the NHS and innovation in the health service.
Debate
Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat), former Leader of Sheffield City Council, put forward the debate.
This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.
Members speaking
Members speaking in the debate included:
- Lord Allan of Hallam (Liberal Democrat), Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health
- Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green), secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Antibiotics
- Lord Crisp (Crossbench), former chief executive of the NHS
- Baroness Merron (Labour), Shadow Spokesperson for Health & Social Care.
Opening the debate, Lord Scriven said:
'This debate has to be about the future. It has to be about data, IT and artificial intelligence, but it also has to be about the culture and leadership, and about a community approach which completely changes just tinkering with the existing system, thinking instead about what is required and what innovation is needed for a future health service provision.'
Responding on behalf of the government, Lord Markham, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, said:
'I fundamentally believe that, if we cannot transform and innovate, we are really going to struggle to see the NHS model being sustainable right the way through the 21st century; it really is that fundamental.'
Get involved
Watch and read the debate
Catch up on Parliament TV or read the Lords Hansard transcript.
Explore background information
Find out more about the issues the debate covers in the House of Lords Library briefing.
Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.
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