Valerie raises NHS at Leader’s questions

On Thursday 10 July 2014, Valerie asked for an urgent NHS statement at Leader of the House questions.

Valerie asked:

“May we have an urgent statement on patient budgets and the change of policy by NHS England? Without a statement to Parliament or an impact assessment, who is in charge of the NHS?”

Mr Lansley replied:

“I do not think it is a fundamental change in policy. When I was Health Secretary I was clear, for example, that for those with continuing health care needs, personal budgets would be established that embraced health needs and social care needs. As the Health and Social Care Act 2012 continues to make clear, the Secretary of State is responsible for the national health service and will—and does—report to the House whenever there are major changes in policy affecting the NHS as a whole.”