Henry Smith MP – Westminster Report – Securing a parliamentary debate on our NHS

As Crawley MP and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heart & Circulatory Diseases, I have managed to secure a debate on our NHS, to take place today (Thursday, 5th September) at 1.30pm.

This debate is in Westminster Hall and focuses specifically on the involvement of patients in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

Earlier this year the Group conducted an inquiry with the support of the British Heart Foundation to better understand patient perspectives on artificial intelligence. It found huge potential for AI to transform the lives of those living with heart and circulatory diseases and a greater need for those affected to be included in discussions about the development and adoption of these new technologies.

The new five year healthcare budget settlement will see NHS funding grow by an average of 3.4 per cent a year in real terms, resulting in an additional £20.5 billion a year by 2023-24.

Heart and circulatory diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and vascular dementia are affecting millions of families across the UK. The halving of deaths from heart and circulatory diseases since the 1970s has been a major health success for the UK. However, these conditions still cause a quarter of all deaths in this country and are the largest cause of premature mortality in deprived areas.

Together they make up the single biggest driver of health inequalities and cost the NHS in England at least £7.4 billion a year. As outlined in the Long-Term Plan, this is the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives over the next 10 years.

I recently welcomed the announcement of £250 million of funding into AI in the NHS. This will improve treatment for patients and will free up staff to focus more on care.

The Government will invest in a National Artificial Intelligence Lab, which will bring together academics, specialists and technology companies to harness the power of data to improve the health and lives of patients.

I look forward to questioning the Department of Health & Social Care about these issues at 1.30pm today. If you would like to watch my debate, please visit: www.parliamentlive.tv/Guide for a live stream, or keep an eye on: www.youtube.com/HenrySmithMP

With my best wishes

Henry Smith
Member of Parliament for Crawley