Health Bill

9 July 2026

Health Bill House of Commons

00:03 - 00:13
Lab Member of Parliament | South Shields
Member of Parliament | South Shields
Emma Lewell
Order.  We will now continue the debate on group 55.  No backbenchers have indicated they wish to speak, so Minister. 
00:13 - 01:50
Lab Member of Parliament | Bristol South
Member of Parliament | Bristol South
Karin Smyth
Thank you, Ms. Low, and it's a pleasure to see you in the chair this afternoon.  So I will address new clauses 12, 56, and 84 together, starting with clause 84 tabled by the honorable member for Sleaford and North Hykeham.  And I want to reconfirm that this government remains focused on reducing long waits by improving patient flow, increasing productivity, and delivering better emergency care for patients.  And as we heard in the debate we had a very good discussion last night in the chamber on corridor care in particular, Ms. Low.  I think all our comments are on the record. 

I won't deter the committee, delay the committee too much further by repeating all my points, but I will take some time to answer the questions as put forward this morning.  And we were very clear that this government will end corridor care in this parliament.  It is completely unacceptable.  And we know that longer waits for emergency care can be associated with poorer patient outcomes.  And that is why through the urgent and emergency care plan in 2025-26, we are investing over 450 million pounds to expand urgent and emergency care capacity, including new same-day emergency care services, urgent treatment centers, additional mental health crisis provision, and nearly a thousand replacement ambulances. 

And alongside this, we are implementing new clinical standards and improving patient flow across hospitals, all to reduce the number of patients waiting more than 12 hours.  And if I may, I will of course. 

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