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Zubir Ahmed
LAB✓ Current MP
🏛️ Glasgow South West
📅 2024–2026
108 speeches on Hansard record
✅ Votes attended: 80.20% (#208 of 650 MPs)
🟢 Rebelled against party: 0.63%
📝 Topics: Public Sector: Scotland
🤝 Member of 4 All-Party Parliamentary Groups
Written Answers
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Department of Health and Social Care
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 31 March 2026 to Question 122732.The Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected adverse drug reactions, medical device incidents, and concerns about the safety and quality of medicines. Where appropriate, reports raising potential counterfeit,…
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The total cost of the Thirlwall Inquiry from its commencement in September 2023 to the end of March 2026 is £18,718,000.00. This includes March 2026 forecasted amounts.
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Answering the question raised by the Hon. Member would require the Medicines and Healthcare Products Agency staff to go through a large volume of data manually. This is because the information is not held in such a way to be able to filter by the requested categories.The sections (a) and (b) would…
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The Department is holding the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to account for its performance and has strengthened oversight following Dr Penny Dash’s review of the CQC’s operational effectiveness, including improvements in timeliness of assessments.The CQC has pledged to respond rapidly…
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The Government is committed to ensuring that people experiencing suicidal thoughts or who have attempted suicide receive compassionate, personalised, and sustained support.The Suicide Prevention Strategy for England 2023 to 2028 outlines our cross‑sector approach to improving support for…
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This information is not collected centrally. There is no requirement for National Health Service organisations to report patient data breaches to the Department.Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation, if a personal data breach occurs, the responsible body must establish if there is a risk…
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Within West Midlands police custody and court settings, Liaison and Diversion Teams, with consent, will assess a young person to identify their needs and vulnerabilities, and will provide information to the police and court to help inform criminal justice decision making. This assessment includes…
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The Lampard Inquiry has published information on its expenditure at the following link:https://lampardinquiry.org.uk/financial-report/
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While the Department has not undertaken a formal evaluation of the National Health Service prescription exemption‑checking system, it has put in place arrangements to balance timely access to medicines with proportionate protection of public funds.The Prescription Exemption Checking Service,…
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The NHS Business Services Authority collects and publishes prescribing data for primary care in England. NHS England and the Department do not routinely audit data to identify general practice repeat-prescribing of topical corticosteroids that is long-term and high-potency. Responsibility for…
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The Schools White Paper, Every child achieving and thriving, and the consultation on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms have now been published, as of 23 February. The White Paper and the consultation are available, respectively, at the following two…
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Government responsibility for delivering cancer research is shared between the Department for Health and Social Care, with research delivered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK…
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Resourcing levels and operational demand are kept under ongoing review to ensure the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s Criminal Enforcement Unit remains able to respond effectively to evolving criminal threats. While additional capacity could facilitate additional…
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I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire on 9 February 2026 to Question 110183.
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I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for East Grinstead and Uckfield on 13 January 2026 to Question 103809.
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A Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decision is made on an individual, on a person by person basis, and should, wherever possible, involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their families, carers, guardians, or other legally recognised advocates.…
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The Department invests over £1.7 billion per year in research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).We are committed to furthering our investment in brain cancer research and have already taken steps to stimulate scientific progress and build scientific capacity to…
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I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for Knowsley on 6 January 2026 to Question 101055.
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The Government supports the reclassification of prescription only medicines (POMs) to over the counter (OTC) medicines, including for cost savings to the National Health Service, where it is safe and appropriate to do so, as this can improve patient access and support selfcare while maintaining…
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The Government intends to increase the standard cost-effectiveness threshold that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) uses in its evaluations of medicines in line with the commitment in the United Kingdon and United States’ trade deal. The new threshold is expected to…
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There are systems and safeguards in place to keep patient information secure and confidential. The National Health Service prioritises security and privacy in its handling of personal data. NHS systems operate Role Based Access Controls. This means only appropriate health and care staff can access…
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The Government supports the reclassification of medicines where it is safe and appropriate to do so, as this can improve patient access and support selfcare while maintaining high standards of public health protection. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) actively engages…
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The resilience of United Kingdom supply chains is a key priority, and the Department and NHS England are committed to helping to build long term supply chain resilience for medicines. We are continually learning and seeking to improve the way we work to both manage and help prevent supply issues…
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Given the complexity and global nature of medical supply chains, the Department does not collect definitive data on the proportions of products dependent on overseas supply chains. Many products rely on components sourced from overseas. For example many active pharmaceutical ingredients, the…
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The Better Care Fund (BCF) provides around £9 billion in 2025/26 to support integrated planning between local authorities and integrated care boards, with reducing discharge delays identified as a key priority for local BCF plans.From 2026/27, the BCF is being reformed to support services that…
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As a signatory to the National Partnership Agreement for Health and Social Care for people in contact with the criminal justice system, the Department of Health and Social Care is committed to working with the Ministry of Justice, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, NHS England and…
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No specific assessment has been made on the potential impact of integrated care boards (ICBs) placing activity caps and other restrictions on NHS Right to Choose ADHD providers on patient access, waiting times or clinical risk.Patients have a legal Right to Choose their provider when referred for…
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There are no plans at present to increase the provision of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for depression based on current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. Integrated care boards are responsible for providing health and care services to meet the needs of their local…
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It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including providing access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism services and support, in line with…
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NHS England commissions comprehensive healthcare services across all prisons in England, ensuring mental health provision is delivered to the principle of equivalence with community services. The National Service Specification for Integrated Mental Health outlines expectations and ensures that…
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I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for Meriden and Solihull East on 5 March 2026 to Question 115057.
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Government responsibility for delivering cancer research is shared between the Department for Health and Social Care, with research delivered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK…
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The Department is aware of supply issues affecting propranolol 80 milligram and 160 milligram modified release (MR) capsules due to ongoing manufacturing issues. The issues affecting propranolol 80 milligram MR capsules are expected to resolve by July 2026, while issues with propranolol 160…
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The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan…
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The Government has not made an assessment of the potential impact of prescription charges on people with cystic fibrosis in the Yeovil constituency. Pursuant to the answer of 27 January, no assessment has been made of the potential merits of reviewing the list of medical conditions that entitle…
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We continue to monitor the impact of the Middle East conflict on the medical supply chain, including on generic medicines. While we understand that transport costs have risen, there are currently no reported shortages of medicines due to the conflict.If shortages do occur, we have a range of…
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The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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No such modelling has been undertaken.
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In the last five years, three internal whistleblowing reports relating to conflicts of interest have been made to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) nominated officers.Nominated officers are trained individuals designated to give confidential advice, support, and…
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The UK COVID-19 Inquiry is an independent statutory inquiry. As an independent body, it is responsible for determining its own scope, lines of investigation, and the evidence it seeks. Decisions about whether to include examination of specific scientific or technical matters, such as the evidence…
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) requires all staff to undertake a conflict-of-interest declaration upon joining the agency and then on a yearly basis. All declarations are assessed according to MHRA policy to ensure due consideration and agreement of required…
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is committed to continually strengthening the Yellow Card scheme to support patient safety. The MHRA regularly promotes awareness through public health campaigns, conferences, established networks, and new educational resources…
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The Government intends to direct the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to apply the new cost-effectiveness threshold increase from April.
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There are no current plans to consider transplants, including stem cell and bone marrow transplants, as part of the Getting It Right First Time programme. The Department is aware of challenges around the timely provision of well-matched stem cell donors, particularly for people from mixed heritage…
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All colleagues within the Civil Service, across the Government, are required to follow guidance set out in the Civil Service Code of Conduct. This is available to all on the GOV.UK website. In addition, colleagues are also required to follow Guidance on Diversity and Inclusion and Impartiality for…
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The rising costs of clinical negligence claims against the National Health Service in England are of great concern to the Government. Costs have more than doubled in the last 10 years and are forecast to continue rising, putting further pressure on NHS finances.Although forecasts remain uncertain,…
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The Department’s National Supply Disruption Response, (NSDR), acts as the single point of contact for the medical supply industry. The NSDR has been engaged along with the Food Standards Agency to support the incident with infant formula products and specialised prescribable infant formula…
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body that makes recommendations on whether all new medicines and significant licence extensions for existing medicines should be routinely funded by the National Health Service in England based on an assessment of…
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My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has regular discussions on a wide range of matters, including with other departments.Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is most often understood as a characteristic of, or observed in, some autistic people, but professional…
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NHS England has been working on reducing waste and its associated carbon since publication of the NHS Clinical Waste Strategy in 2023.NHS England’s Estates Returns Information Collection (ERIC) is a mandatory annual data collection for all National Health Service trusts in England that…
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The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR funds clinical, public health, and social care research and works in partnership with the National Health Service, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the…
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NHS England continues to work with eating disorder services and local commissioners to improve access to assessment and treatment for people with a suspected eating disorder, including those presenting with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Lessons from previous pilots commissioned…
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Prescribing decisions are made by the responsible clinician, who is accountable for ensuring that prescribing is clinically appropriate and consistent with national and local guidance. NHS England’s guidance on prescribing gluten-free (GF) foods sets out a national framework for primary care,…
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The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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The Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS), is an existing pathway across the regulatory and access system designed to support innovative treatments being available to patients who need them earlier in the development cycle, outside of a clinical trial. The Government is collaborating across the…
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NHS England is in the early stages of exploring how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can improve patient access to services through the NHS App, including patients with complex needs. We are currently piloting AI triage in the NHS App in one area and plan to extend to three more areas by the…
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The Government is committed to supporting research that delivers a more robust, evidence-based understanding of gender incongruence support and treatment, especially for children and young people.The Cass Review received cross-party support and highlighted remaining significant gaps in clinical…
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The Government recognises the crucial need for research into all forms of cancer, including lobular breast cancer. It remains committed to the role of research to drive a stronger collective understanding of the biology behind lobular breast cancer and to improve outcomes for…
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The Department does not hold specific assessments of the adequacy of mental health support in Ashfield constituency. Mental health services across Nottinghamshire, including Ashfield, are delivered by the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation. The Care Quality Commission’s most recent…
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Given the long-running nature of the infected blood scandal, not all medical records will still be available, and eligibility for compensation will be determined based on the balance of probabilities.The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) will try to get as much information, including…
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Up to and including the 16 March 2026, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has received a total of 3,303 adverse incident reports. Please note that this search was conducted across all relevant brands, models, and manufacturers associated with the Global Medical Device…
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My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has met with a variety of stakeholders to discuss gender services, including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.Given that there are live legal proceedings, we are unable to comment on the details of the…
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Not all of the data requested is held centrally. Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning services to meet the health needs of their local population, and responsibility for providing equipment and wheelchairs to disabled people typically falls to local authorities and the…
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The Government currently has no plans to review or amend the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of prescription charges on people with inflammatory bowel disease.
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Where, due to someone’s mental disorder, an individual poses a risk to others, mental health services have a role to play in identifying and managing that risk, including treating the person’s disorder, maintaining safety whilst the treatment starts to work, for however long this may…
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We recognise the devastating impact an eating disorder such as bulimia can have on someone’s life, and the earlier treatment is provided, the greater the chance of recovery. NHS England continues to work with clinical experts, provider collaboratives, and patient groups to strengthen pathways…
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The Outcomes and Registries Directions 2024 require that all healthcare providers of National Health Service funded care contribute data to the Breast and Cosmetic Implant Register. Therefore, compliance from both NHS and private clinicians, in relation to NHS funded care, is mandatory.…
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The appeals against the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommendations on donanemab and lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease were heard by NICE’s independent appeal panel in January. The next steps of the appraisal will be subject to the outcome…
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The Department does not hold an estimate of the number of patients discharged from hospital to nursing or residential care placements outside their home local authority area due to local shortages of provision. Local authorities have statutory responsibility for assessing and meeting eligible care…
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The Prevention of Future Deaths report concerning the death of Luke Chatterton was not received by the Department when it was issued, resulting in a delay in it coming to our attention. The Department is now considering the report carefully before responding.
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People living in the most deprived areas of England face a higher risk of suicide. Between 2020 and 2024, the age-standardised suicide rate for people aged 25 to 44 years old in the most deprived 10% of areas in England was 14.9 per 100,000 people, compared with 10.6 per 100,000 in the least…
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The Mental Health Act 1983, specifically Section 1, subsection 3, states that “Dependence on alcohol or drugs is not considered to be a disorder or disability of the mind” for the purposes of the act, and we did not amend this in the Mental Health Act 2025 that passed in December. We…
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NHS England supports National Health Service trusts with software needs in many ways, including through documentation, guides, support, a developer community, application programming interfaces, and mandatory standards.NHS England is unifying software across NHS trusts through application of…
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The Government has recognised that, nationally in England, demand for assessments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan for…
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The Government has recognised that, nationally in England, demand for assessments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan for…
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The Department has reviewed the available evidence and operational learning to assess the impact of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs). Early findings from evaluations of trailblazer and pilot sites suggest that MHSTs are supporting earlier identification and more effective management of emerging…
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The Department has not made a specific assessment on the effectiveness of Children and Young People Mental Health (CYPMH) online therapies as opposed to in-person support. However, more widely, the Department draws on a growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of digital and online therapies…
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The Department does not routinely make assessments of the effectiveness of health services at a constituency level, and has therefore not made an assessment of the effectiveness of health services available to children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in Gloucester. The…
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We believe the answer of 17 February 2025 refers to the answer given to Question 29570. The Department’s monitoring of the impact of death certification reforms, including the time to register a death, includes consideration of:the annual report of the National Medical Examiner, which was…
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The UK Stem Cell Strategic Forum’s 2022 report, A ten-year vision for stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies, set out a number of recommendations for improving data collection for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy (HSCT-CT) to drive improvements in care…
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Healthcare is a devolved matter and the Right to Choose applies only to National Health Services commissioned in England. When a person moves from England to Scotland, their healthcare, including access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment and treatment, becomes the responsibility…
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Research is crucial in tackling cancer, which is why the Department invests over £1.7 billion per year in research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium was announced as part of the Government’s commitment to…
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The Department is committed to turbocharging clinical research and delivering better patient care, to make the United Kingdom a world-leading destination for clinical research. We are working to fast-track clinical trials to drive global investment into life sciences, improve health outcomes, and…
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The Government has very well-established processes in place to help manage disruption to the supply of medical products when it occurs, always very seriously considering the needs of individual patients.The Department’s National Supply Disruption Response acts as the single point of contact…
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The Government recognises the importance of timely delivery of National Health Service clinical correspondence and the risks to patient safety because of delayed or lost correspondence.The monitoring of patient correspondence is the responsibility of individual NHS providers and integrated care…
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There are no current plans to commission the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to develop clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders.Topics for new or updated guidance are considered through the NICE…
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The annual spend on maternity in the NHS National Cost Collection does not include payments made by NHS Resolution.Payments for maternity clinical negligence claims are made from the clinical negligence scheme for trusts, which is managed by NHS…
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The Prime Minister announced at the end of July 2025 that the United Kingdom will medically evacuate Gazan children for treatment in the UK. The UK has successfully evacuated 50 child patients who are being treated in National Health Service hospitals as part of the Gaza medevac process.
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The Department has no current plans to review or update informed consent guidance in protecting National Health Service clinicians from subsequent legal challenge where animal-derived ingredients are used in medicines or treatments without explicit disclosure.
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Responsibility for ensuring that medical examiner services respond to local needs sits with trusts. Most medical examiners’ work can be undertaken during normal office hours with cover for weekends and public holidays likely to be required in most areas. Arrangements at each office should…
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The General Register Office oversees the policy for registration of births, deaths, and marriages. However, a death must be certified before it can be registered and since 9 September 2024, all non-coronial deaths are independently scrutinised by a medical examiner who completes the medical…
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Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for the provision and commissioning of local wheelchair services. This includes both temporary wheelchair provision to support hospital discharge and National Health Service wheelchair services which support people of all ages with long-term mobility…
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We already have two arrangements in place to reduce community pharmacies dispensing at a loss and to ensure that overall, they are paid enough as part of their Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) funding. These are the medicine margin arrangements and concessionary prices.Regarding the…
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Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning services to meet the health needs of their local population, and responsibility for providing equipment and wheelchairs to disabled people typically falls to local authorities and the National Health Service.Local authorities in…
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued technology appraisal guidance recommending several medicines for use in the treatment of wet age-related macular generation. The National Health Service in England is legally required to fund medicines in line with NICE’s…
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In the period from 2023 to 2025, three full calendar years, the National Patient Safety Team issued seven National Patient Safety Alerts.Whilst none of those originated from a single incident occurring in an emergency department, one alert in January 2023 was issued in response to a general concern…
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Newly licensed medicines are appraised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which is the independent body responsible for developing evidence-based guidance for the National Health Service on whether new medicines represent a clinically and cost-effective use of…
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The Drug Tariff, a monthly publication, sets out reimbursement prices to be paid to pharmacy contractors for the medicines that they dispense. Whilst we do not look at specific areas of the United Kingdom or specific medicines, we do have arrangements in place to mitigate against rising medication…
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We recognise that being sent to a hospital far away from home, family, and support networks means a poorer experience of care for patients and increased safety risks, which is why we are working to end this practice. We have invested £75 million of capital funding in 2025/26 to improve…
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The Government has made no such assessment. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines are developed independently by experts based on a thorough assessment of the available evidence and through extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. They represent best…
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is re-evaluating brexucabtagene autoleucel following managed access through the Cancer Drugs Fund to determine whether it should be recommended for routine National Health Service funding. NICE’s draft guidance, published in…
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The Department, through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), has funded several studies which explore links between SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and autoimmunity.For example, in April 2025, researchers funded by the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre and the NIHR…
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Since 2023, NHS England has published National Health Service genomic testing activity data on the NHS England website, at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/genomic-testing-activity/This standardised data is published at a national level and by NHS…
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The Department is aware of supply issues affecting propranolol 80 milligram and 160 milligram modified release (MR) capsules due to ongoing manufacturing issues which are expected to last until at least July 2026.The Department is working with all suppliers to help resolve the issues and improve…
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is committed to continually strengthening the Yellow Card scheme to support patient safety. The MHRA regularly promotes awareness through public health campaigns, conferences, established networks, and new educational resources…
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The Department delivers research via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including the health impacts of breast implants. Through the NIHR, the Department funded a study to explore…
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for assessing new medicines to ensure they meet the required standards of quality, safety, and efficacy before they can be authorised for use in the United Kingdom. The MHRA conducts a rigorous, evidence‑based…
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For children and young people in distress or struggling with their mental health, fast access to early, high-quality support is critical. Mental health support teams play a key role in this, providing early intervention for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, while also assisting…
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Under existing medical device regulations, UK Medical Devices Regulations 2002, all medical devices must meet the Essential Requirements, which includes the use of designated standards that specify mandatory safety and performance criteria for those devices. As breast implants are the highest class…
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No recent assessment has been made. In 2017, the Government at the time decided to restrict gluten-free prescribing to bread and mixes only. The majority of consultation responses were in favour of this. An analysis of the anticipated impact of the decision was published alongside the consultation…
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Health is a devolved matter and decisions on the availability of medicines in the devolved administrations are a matter for their own governments.Ministers and Department officials have had no recent discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) about access to…
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Whilst the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not publish non-clinical studies, in line with Section 64 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, the MHRA has published a public assessment report (PAR) for Kostaive. This PAR includes the MHRA’s assessment of the…
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Studies have shown that people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of alcohol use disorder. One study found that impulsive decision making was causal, and that ADHD was present in up to 20% of people seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder. The recently…
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The safety of all patients, whether they are treated in the National Health Service or the independent sector, is a top priority for the Government. There are a range of providers of NHS wheelchair services across England. Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for monitoring service…
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NHS England does not have a target date for digital prescription availability in all National Health Service hospitals. The NHS Digital Maturity Assessment 2025 showed that 93% of NHS hospital trusts have gone live with an electronic prescribing and medicines administration system. The 2026 Digital…
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There is no national policy specifically focused on implementing Peer Supported Open Dialogue.The National Health Service follows evidence when implementing any approach at scale and will respond to any future changes in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. A research trial…
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Patients have a legal Right to Choose their provider when referred for National Health Service funded eligible care.In 2023, NHS England published National framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services aimed at supporting those in commissioning roles during their commissioning…
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Shared care within the National Health Service refers to a voluntary arrangement whereby a specialist may transfer responsibility for aspects of a patient’s care, such as prescription of medication, to the patient’s general practitioner (GP). Decisions regarding shared care agreements…
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Shared care within the National Health Service refers to a voluntary arrangement whereby a specialist may transfer responsibility for aspects of a patient’s care, such as prescription of medication, to the patient’s general practitioner (GP). Decisions regarding shared care agreements…
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) supports access to treatments for people living with neuromuscular diseases. The majority of neuromuscular diseases are defined as rare diseases. On the 2 November 2025, the MHRA published a policy paper on rare therapies and United…
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The Government is clear that artificial intelligence (AI) based tools must not replace access to human‑delivered psychological support where this is clinically appropriate.Digital and AI tools can be used to support mental health services and those in need of those services, for example by…
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The Government is clear that artificial intelligence (AI) based mental health tools are intended to support and complement, not replace, National Health Service mental health services.Within NHS mental health services, AI based tools are expected to play a supporting role, for example by helping…
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The PATHWAYS TRIAL focuses on the effects of puberty suppressing hormones on young people’s physical, social, and emotional well-being specifically when offered alongside the new model of National Health Service gender care based on comprehensive assessment and tailored psychosocial support.…
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The Government recognises how important it is that patients with motor neurone disease are able to benefit from access to new clinically and cost-effective treatments. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently evaluating tofersen, a new licensed treatment for SOD-1…
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The Local Authority Social Services and National Health Service Complaints (England) Regulations 2009 set out in law the minimum standards National Health Service organisations must adhere to in respect of their complaint handling arrangements. This includes the need to investigate complaints…
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The information requested is not available in the format requested, as NHS England does not publish information at mental health inpatient unit level. The attached table has been provided by NHS England and shows admissions by mental health provider from 2020/21 to 2024/25.PQ117716 - Table (xlsx,…
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NHS Resolution (NHSR) manages clinical negligence and other claims against the National Health Service in England. NHSR publishes data for payments made for their clinical schemes in their Supplementary Annual Statistics (SAS), which are available at the following…
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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines are developed by experts based on a thorough assessment of the available evidence and through extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. They represent best practice, and healthcare professionals are expected to take…
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body that develops recommendations for the National Health Service on whether new licensed medicines should be routinely funded by the NHS based on an assessment of clinical and cost effectiveness. NICE is responsible…
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In the context of the answer to Question 111118 of 13 February 2026, “routine” refers to the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority standard practice on publications of audit outcomes.
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The Coroner's Prevention of Future Death report following the death of Luke Chatterton was first brought to the attention of The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on 5 February 2026. The MHRA issued a response to the coroner on 2 March 2026.
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The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year in research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).The Department is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with brain tumours, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative,…
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Low-dose dispersible aspirin is normally widely available at a relatively low price, without a prescription, from pharmacies. For example, a packet of 100 75milligram tablets can be purchased for approximately £2.10. Where aspirin is prescribed, there are extensive arrangements in place in…
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) published an overview of the completion of the work by the expert working group (EWG) and subsequent advice from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) in December 2025 on the MHRA website. The MHRA has been working with healthcare…
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines provide recommendations on best practice in terms of both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions and services. Guidelines describe best practice and National Health Service organisations are expected to take…
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Bryony House Care Home was last inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in May 2025 and was rated as Inadequate and placed into special measures.The CQC has advised that it continues to monitor the service closely and will carry out a further assessment, based on assessment priorities and…
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The Government recognises that the experience of losing a baby or pregnancy loss can be very difficult for parents and families.Maternal Mental Health Services are available in all integrated care board areas in England and provide care for women with moderate, severe, or complex mental health…
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For the 2025/26 financial year, total mental health spend is forecast to be £15.6 billion, the equivalent to 8.71% of the recurrent National Health Service baseline of £179.4 billion. However, there are important elements of mental health spend not included in these figures. This includes…
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National Health Service organisations must ensure that all patients have equitable access to care, and that decisions or policies do not unfairly disadvantage people or lead to an increase in inequalities. All NHS organisations are legally obliged to not discriminate against patients or staff. This…
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The Department has made significant progress in improving the availability of medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), working closely with industry and key stakeholders to overcome previous supply challenges. Through intensive collaboration with industry, NHS England and the…
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The Government is committed to improving access to high‑quality mental health support, including clinical psychology services. Through our 10-Year Health Plan, we are expanding NHS Talking Therapies so more people can receive effective, evidence‑based treatment for common mental health…
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Costs of the United States and United Kingdom pharmaceuticals trade deal will start smaller but will increase over time as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approves more medicines. Total costs over the spending review period are expected to be approximately £1…
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Health is a devolved matter, and responsibility for improving access to mental health services in Northern Ireland, including for adolescents, sits with the Northern Ireland Executive.The Government works closely with the devolved administrations on shared health challenges, including mental…
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The 2024 disruption was caused by the required closures of a number of reactors used to supply the United Kingdom and Europe. In response to this shortage, the Department worked closely with suppliers, the National Health Service, the British Nuclear Medicine Society, the UK Radiopharmacy Group,…
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National Health Service audiology services are locally commissioned, and the responsibility for meeting the needs of non-hearing people lies with local NHS commissioners.We expect local commissioning to be informed by the best available evidence, relevant National Institute for Health and Care…
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NHS England commissions regular workforce censuses of the children and young people’s mental health workforce. The most recent census, covering April 2023 to March 2024, includes information on how long staff have been in post across community and inpatient services, alongside a summary of…
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We can confirm that a response to the coroner’s Prevention of Future Death report was issued on 6 March 2026.
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The Government is committed to patients having the right to choose their provider when referred to consultant-led treatment, or to a mental health professional, for their first appointment as an outpatient. Patients’ right to choose is set out in legislation and integrated care boards remain…
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Information on the proportion of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) clinicians who have received training in therapies for post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not collected centrally. Providers, such as National Health Service trusts and other organisations delivering…
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The Government has already taken significant steps to stabilise and improve National Health Service mental health services but there is much more to do. Transforming the system will take time, but we are committed to delivering a new approach to mental health.Six community based Mental Health…
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The rising costs of clinical negligence claims against the National Health Service in England are of great concern to the Government. Costs have more than doubled in the last ten years and are forecast to continue rising, putting further pressure on NHS finances.As announced in the 10-Year Health…
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The Schools White Paper and consultation document on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms set out proposals on strengthening roles and responsibilities. We are working closely with the Department for Education, and with local area partnerships, for instance integrated care…
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The Government will develop a new autism strategy. I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for Manchester Rusholme on 26 February 2026 to Question 114228.
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A revised Accessible Information Standard (AIS) was published on 1 July 2025 and can be found at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/accessible-information-standard/ The revised standard requires those staff in relevant communication and information roles to be adequately trained. The…
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The Government recognises how important it is that patients with motor neurone disease (MND) are able to benefit from access to new clinically and cost-effective treatments. There are currently no new treatments routinely available to National Health Service patients for MND. The National Institute…
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No assessment has been made of the operation and level of resourcing of Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) across National Health Service trusts. PALS is a free, confidential and independent service providing advice and support to resolve issues affecting NHS patients informally and, in…
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for developing evidence‑based guidance for the National Health Service on best practice in the care and treatment of patients with specific conditions.NICE does not ordinarily define specific…
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The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care including alopecia. These applications are…
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We are aware that hyoscine hydrobromide 1.5 milligram patches are currently out of stock and we are in dialogue with the manufacturer. We do not hold information on stock availability locally, however, this product is currently unavailable across the United Kingdom.The resupply date has yet to be…
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National Health Service organisations must ensure all patients have equitable access to care, and that decisions or policies do not unfairly disadvantage people or lead to an increase in inequalities. All NHS organisations are legally obliged to not discriminate against patients or staff.This means…
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The Department delivers research into hearing loss via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).This includes, for example, £2.4 million of NIHR funding for a study that will compare giving adults with severe hearing loss implants in both ears versus just one ear to inform…
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is not releasing the 7 November letter at this point as the decision is the subject of litigation, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency does not comment on ongoing litigation proceedings.
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The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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The internal review in response to recent concerns that National Health Service guidance stated the benefits of close relative marriage began on 19 January 2026. All public documents which constitute training modules, or guidance regarding marriage between close relatives is in scope. The findings…
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The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR funds, supports, and carries out high-quality research to improve health outcomes and care services. Over the last five financial years, the Department has provided over £22 million in…
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Medical research was an important area examined in the inquiry, with it concluding that ‘the value of such research to society is enhanced rather than undermined by undertaking research in an ethical and moral way’.The Department funds research on health and social care through the…
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In July 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) published a statement of policy intent for the development and implementation of an Early Access Service for innovative medical devices. The statement of policy is available at the following…
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No specific assessment has been made by the Department. The Health Research Authority (HRA) and the devolved administrations provide a Research Ethics Service so that research proposals relating to their areas of responsibility can be reviewed by a Research Ethics Committee (REC) for all kinds of…
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The United Kingdom only recognises overseas prescriptions from European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland. Most medicines, with the exception of schedule 1 to 3 controlled drugs and specials, prescribed in these countries can be dispensed by United Kingdom pharmacies, so long as the…
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The Government recently confirmed a £7 million funding boost for 24 early support hubs across England so they can continue to provide open-access, drop-in mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 11 to 25 years old. These hubs offer open access, early intervention support for…
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We recognise the importance of suicide bereavement services and acknowledge the difficult financial position for many voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations.Commissioning responsibility for local suicide bereavement services sits with integrated care boards and it is for them to…
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The Department was invited by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) to provide evidence. The Department has not responded, deferring to NHS England, who are leading work on the Unified Information Standard for Protected Characteristics (UIPSC). The UISPC programme is a wide-ranging review of how…
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The information is not held in the format requested.
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The Department has not undertaken any recent engagement with social media companies regarding the potential impact of their platforms on child mental health.However, the Government is taking forward wider work to understand and address risks to children in the online world. A national consultation…
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As announced on 20 February 2026, the PATHWAYS clinical trial has been paused, following new queries raised by the medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. No participants have been recruited to the trial and while it is paused recruitment will not start;…
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The Department does not collect data on the number of children removed from local National Health Service attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) waiting lists after accessing the Right to Choose pathway.NHS England has worked with stakeholders to develop a national ADHD data improvement…
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For children and young people in distress or struggling with their mental health, fast access to early, high-quality support is critical. Mental health support teams play a key role in this, providing early intervention for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, while also assisting…
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Under the Down Syndrome Act 2022, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, is required to give guidance to relevant authorities in health, social care, education, and housing services on what they should be doing to meet the needs of people with Down syndrome. Relevant…
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The timetable for responding to the Kingdon Review has not yet been determined. We are continuing to examine the findings of the review.
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The 10-Year Health Plan sets out ambitious plans to boost mental health support across the country. This includes transforming mental health services into community-based mental health centres, improving assertive outreach and access to timely mental health care, expanding talking therapies, and…
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The Department is working closely with NHS England, professional bodies and industry partners and have implemented a range of measures to resolve the shortage of bone cement.The National Health Service has secured stock of an alternative bone cement product, which is now in the United Kingdom for…
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NHS England publishes data on children and young people’s mental health services through the Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS). This includes information on outcomes following treatment, as well as breakdowns by primary reason for referral and service type. However, published data are…
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The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).No funding for the next financial year has allocated specifically to prosopagnosia. However, the NIHR welcomes funding applications for…
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The Government is committed to transparency in reporting patient harm in the National Health Service. The Learn from Patient Safety Events (LFPSE) service allows frontline workers in NHS providers to record and analyse their own patient safety incidents in order to identify trends. At the national…
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Local authorities are best placed to understand and plan for the needs of their population. That is why, under the Care Act 2014, local authorities are tasked with the duty to shape their care market and to commission a range of high-quality, sustainable, and person-centred care and support…
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The Department does not intend to commission a specific comparative review into the relative level of National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) or Medical Research Council funding for research into myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), compared…
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No discussions have taken place between the Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Culture, Media and Sport about young people with Down syndrome in Surrey and the role of sport in health outcomes.The UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines for disabled young…
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Government responsibility for delivering cancer research is shared between the Department for Health and Social Care, with research delivered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK…
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Central procurement processes through NHS Supply Chain include a range of measures to prevent the dependency on single suppliers of medical products.When designing strategies, at category and sourcing strategy stages, NHS Supply Chain completes a category risk analysis which highlights sole source…
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Medicine supply chains are complex, global, and highly regulated and there are a number of reasons why supply can be disrupted, many of which are not specific to the United Kingdom and outside of Government control, including manufacturing difficulties, access to raw materials, sudden demand…
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Under the Down Syndrome Act 2022, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, is required to give guidance to relevant authorities in health, social care, education, and housing services on what they should be doing to meet the needs of people with Down syndrome. We…
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The Department works closely with NHS England on reducing long-stay hospital delays including those caused by social care capacity. Though the Better Care Fund (BCF) the Government provides over £9 billion to be used jointly by the National Health Service and local authorities towards…
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There are a range of legislative and operational safeguards in place to support patient choice and facilitate co-decision between clinicians and patients regarding stoma appliances. In terms of legislation, the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations…
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In 2023, NHS England produced a guide for frontline staff as they support people with a learning disability which asks staff to be aware of diagnostic overshadowing, and which is available at the following…
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The latest published annual statistics for NHS Talking Therapies services in England for 2024/25 show that the mean average waiting time in days between the date the referral request was received and the date of first appointment, where the referral had a first attended appointment in the year, was…
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