Graham Challenges Health Minister Over NHS Waiting List Concerns

Graham has challenged the Health Minister in Parliament after residents in Beverley and Holderness told him NHS waiting list figures do not match their real experience.

The Government says NHS waiting lists are falling.

But Graham told Health Minister Karin Smyth that people in Beverley and Holderness want high quality, speedy care, not waiting list figures that have been massaged to suit a political narrative.

He raised concerns that some patients are being removed from waiting lists without receiving treatment, following evidence sent to him by local residents.

The Minister said that validation of waiting lists is routine NHS practice and that around 85 per cent of activity is the result of direct patient care.

But Graham said her answer did not give local people the reassurance they need.

Graham has received almost 100 responses in just a few days to his NHS survey, with residents raising long waits, poor communication, problems getting NHS dentistry, difficulty getting appointments, and issues getting to hospital from rural and coastal communities.

Graham is now urging more residents to complete the survey at grahamstuart.com/NHS.

Graham said: “I asked the Minister a fair question in good faith.

“People in Beverley and Holderness do not want clever figures. They want to be seen, treated, and able to get on with their lives.

“Waiting lists falling nationally is welcome if it means patients are actually getting care. But Ministers must not become obsessed with one number while other parts of the NHS are not working properly.

“The Minister was earnest, but she did not give me the reassurance local people need.

“I am going to keep pressing this. I want residents to tell me their experiences, good or bad, so I can take that evidence to the NHS and to Ministers.

“Beverley and Holderness deserves healthcare that works locally, not just waiting list figures that look better nationally.” 

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If you or a member of your family have had to call an ambulance recently, how long did it take to arrive?
If you or someone in your household is currently awaiting surgery, how long is the expected waiting time?
If you or someone in your household has visited A&E recently, how long did you have to wait to be seen?
Have you or a family member had hospital treatment delayed or cancelled completely in recent years?
If you or a family member has had cancer treatment recently, were they seen within two months of a referral?
Have you been able to register with a local GP?
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Have you ever had to pay for private treatment because you couldn't access an NHS dentist?
How easy do you find it to get a dentist appointment when you need one?
Have you ever experienced difficulty travelling for NHS treatment?

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