Written questions by Morello.

What criteria he uses to assess improved access to NHS dental services in West Dorset constituency.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to the integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the West Dorset constituency, this is the NHS Dorset ICB.We are working with NHS England, the NHS Business Services Authority, and the ICBs to set out the requirements for monitoring and reporting progress against the 700,000 urgent appointments, which will enable us to identify where further support is needed. Data on the number of dentists recruited under the Golden Hello scheme is regularly collected by NHS England. As of 6 May 2025, in England, there were 66 dentists in post with a further 24 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. A further 231 posts are currently being advertised.

What plans his Department has to increase support for learning disability services in West Dorset constituency.

Each integrated care board must have an executive lead for learning disability and autism. To make it easier for people with a learning disability and autistic people to use health services, there is work underway in NHS England to make sure that staff in health settings know if they need to make reasonable adjustments for people. This includes the development of a Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag, which enables the recording of key information about a patient, including if a person is autistic or has a learning disability, and their reasonable adjustment needs, to ensure support can be tailored appropriately.Under the Health and Care Act 2022, from 1 July 2022, Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered providers are required to ensure their staff receive specific training on learning disability and autism appropriate to their role. This helps to ensure that staff have the right knowledge and skills to provide safe and informed care. To support providers to meet the statutory training requirement, we have been rolling out the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, otherwise known as Oliver’s Training, to the health and adult social care workforce. A code of practice has been published to guide CQC registered providers on how to meet the statutory requirement for learning disability and autism training under the Health and Care Act 2022 which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oliver-mcgowan-code-of-practice

What discussions he has had with Dorset Integrated Care Board on (a) funding and (b) support for people with learning disabilities in West Dorset constituency.

The Government wants to better support disabled people, including those with a learning disability, to participate in society and access high quality care and support. Our 10-Year Health Plan sets out the actions we are taking to move care from hospitals to communities and prevent sickness rather than treat it. These reforms will support improved life outcomes for people with a learning disability through more holistic, personalised support. Specific action is also being taken to roll out mandatory training on learning disability for health and social care staff.My rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has not had specific discussions with the integrated care board (ICB) as described. NHS England typically direct relationships with ICBs.NHS Dorset has a Learning Disabilities budget of £99.18 million for 2025/2026. This budget covers the community services commissioned through their core contracts, non-contract activity, continuing healthcare commitments, support for individual patients, advocacy and support services, and some service development initiatives including the full implementation of a keyworker service.In addition, each ICB must have an executive lead for learning disability whose role includes: supporting the board in addressing health inequalities; supporting equal access to care across all health services; and improving overall health outcomes.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding allocated to Integrated Care Boards to support people with learning disabilities.

NHS England is responsible for setting funding allocations for integrated care boards (ICBs). ICBs primarily pay for learning disability and autism services from their general allocation to provide healthcare for their population. In 2024/25, ICBs spent £3,323 million of their total allocation on learning disability and autism services and an additional £130 million on transformation programmes, including community/children and young people keyworkers, autism, and partnerships in neurodiversity in schools.

What additional funding is provided to Integrated Care Boards to manage seasonal changes in population in West Dorset constituency.

NHS England is responsible for funding allocations to integrated care boards (ICBs). This process is independent of the Government, and NHS England takes advice on the underlying formula from the independent Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation. ICBs then decide how that money is spent within the local integrated care system, and are responsible for planning service provision in their local area. In doing so, ICBs should consider how local funding can be deployed to best meet the needs of their local population.The initial population data used in setting resource allocations is the 12-month average of general practice registrations. This captures seasonal patterns, such as areas with high numbers of students or seasonal workers, better than using the population at a specific time would.

What recent assessment she has made of emergency service capacity in tourist areas during summer months.

NHS England is responsible for funding allocations to integrated care boards (ICBs). ICBs then decide how that money is spent within the local integrated care system, and are responsible for planning service provision in their local area. In doing so, ICBs, including the NHS Dorset ICB, which is responsible for services in West Dorset, should consider how best to use their funding to meet patient demand, including expected seasonal variation. ICB allocations for 2025/26 were published on 30 January 2025, and are available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/allocation-of-resources-2025-26/The National Health Service’s operational pressures escalation levels (OPEL) framework provides a standardised approach to support an effective, integrated, and coordinated response to acute trust operational pressures. This includes actions locally, regionally, and nationally that support the depressurising of services and ensure patient safety. Further information about the OPEL framework is published by NHS England at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/integrated-opel-framework-2024-to-2026/

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of nursing apprenticeships on levels of (a) recruitment and (b) retention in the NHS.

Apprenticeships are an important way to widen routes into the nursing profession, by providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds, and for whom a full-time university course may not be practical or preferred. They also offer existing staff new ways to continue to progress and develop in their career.We will publish a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again. This will include how we ensure we train healthcare staff, through all training routes, to support patients in all of our communities.

What steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of nursing apprenticeship opportunities in West Dorset constituency.

We will publish a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again. This will include how we ensure we train healthcare staff, through all training routes, to support patients in all of our communities.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of incorrect eligibility advice given through the covid-19 helpline on people receiving that advice.

A vaccination telephone booking service, known as the 119 service, is available during COVID-19 and flu vaccination campaigns to provide booking support and guidance to people who may not be able to use online National Health Service booking services.No direct assessment has been made of the potential impact of incorrect eligibility advice given through the telephone vaccination service. The service is commissioned by NHS England. NHS England advises that call handlers are trained to provide standard information rather than give individual eligibility advice.If an individual is concerned that they were given incorrect advice, concerns can be raised with the NHS England Customer Contact Centre.The spring 2025 COVID-19 campaign in England started on 1 April 2025 and runs until 17 June. All those who are eligible, those aged 75 years old and above, those aged six months old and above with immunosuppression, and those living in care homes for older adults, still have time to take up the vaccination offer, and are encouraged to do so.

With reference to Q204 of the oral evidence given by him to the Health and Social Care Committee on 8 April 2025, HC 563, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of an increase in the geographical area of integrated care boards on the adequacy of their relationship with local authorities.

NHS England has asked integrated care boards (ICBs) to act primarily as strategic commissioners of health services and reduce duplication of responsibilities within their structure. NHS England provided additional guidance to ICBs, National Health Service trusts and NHS foundation trusts on 1 April 2025 where ICBs are tasked to develop plans setting out how they will manage their resources to deliver across their priorities. The guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/working-together-in-2025-26-to-lay-the-foundations-for-reform/Local authorities are mandated statutory partner members of ICBs and will maintain their important role to deliver integrated health and care service for their local population. Ministers and the Department will work with the transformation team at the top of NHS England, led by Sir Jim Mackey, to ensure ICBs continue to fulfil their future functions effectively within the running costs cap and unlock the benefit of working at scale to deliver better care for their population.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure accurate information is provided by the covid-19 vaccination helpline.

A vaccination telephone booking service, known as the 119 service, is available during COVID-19 and flu vaccination campaigns to provide booking support and guidance to people who may not be able to use online National Health Service booking services.No direct assessment has been made of the potential impact of incorrect eligibility advice given through the telephone vaccination service. The service is commissioned by NHS England. NHS England advises that call handlers are trained to provide standard information rather than give individual eligibility advice.If an individual is concerned that they were given incorrect advice, concerns can be raised with the NHS England Customer Contact Centre.The spring 2025 COVID-19 campaign in England started on 1 April 2025 and runs until 17 June. All those who are eligible, those aged 75 years old and above, those aged six months old and above with immunosuppression, and those living in care homes for older adults, still have time to take up the vaccination offer, and are encouraged to do so.

With reference to Q204 of the oral evidence given by him to the Health and Social Care Committee on 8 April 2025, HC 563, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of an increase in the geographical area of integrated care boards on the adequacy of rural NHS services' (a) funding and b) staffing levels.

NHS England has asked integrated care boards (ICBs) to act primarily as strategic commissioners of health services and to reduce the duplication of responsibilities within their structure. NHS England provided additional guidance to ICBs, NHS trusts, and NHS foundation trusts on 1 April 2025, where ICBs were tasked with developing plans setting out how they will manage their resources to deliver across their priorities. This letter is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/working-together-in-2025-26-to-lay-the-foundations-for-reform/Ministers and the Department will work with the new transformation team at the top of NHS England, led by Sir Jim Mackey, to ensure ICBs continue to fulfil their future functions effectively within the running costs cap and unlock the benefit of working at scale to deliver better care for their population, including for those in rural areas.

What recent assessment he has made of emergency service capacity in tourist areas during the summer months in West Dorset constituency.

NHS England is responsible for funding allocations to integrated care boards (ICBs). ICBs then decide how that money is spent within the local integrated care system, and are responsible for planning service provision in their local area. In doing so, ICBs, including the NHS Dorset ICB, which is responsible for services in West Dorset, should consider how best to use their funding to meet patient demand, including expected seasonal variation. ICB allocations for 2025/26 were published on 30 January 2025, and are available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/allocation-of-resources-2025-26/The National Health Service’s operational pressures escalation levels (OPEL) framework provides a standardised approach to support an effective, integrated, and coordinated response to acute trust operational pressures. This includes actions locally, regionally, and nationally that support the depressurising of services and ensure patient safety. Further information about the OPEL framework is published by NHS England at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/integrated-opel-framework-2024-to-2026/

What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of nursing apprenticeships.

We will publish a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again. This will include how we ensure we train healthcare staff, through all training routes, to support patients in all of our communities.

What mechanisms exist for Integrated Care Boards to request additional funding during seasonal tourism peaks in demand for Accident and Emergency services.

NHS England is responsible for funding allocations to integrated care boards (ICBs). ICBs then decide how that money is spent within the local integrated care system, and are responsible for planning service provision in their local area. In doing so, ICBs, including the NHS Dorset ICB, which is responsible for services in West Dorset, should consider how best to use their funding to meet patient demand, including expected seasonal variation. ICB allocations for 2025/26 were published on 30 January 2025, and are available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/allocation-of-resources-2025-26/The National Health Service’s operational pressures escalation levels (OPEL) framework provides a standardised approach to support an effective, integrated, and coordinated response to acute trust operational pressures. This includes actions locally, regionally, and nationally that support the depressurising of services and ensure patient safety. Further information about the OPEL framework is published by NHS England at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/integrated-opel-framework-2024-to-2026/

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in employer National Insurance contributions on primary care providers in West Dorset constituency.

We have made the necessary decisions to fix the foundations of the public finances at the Autumn Budget. Resource spending for the Department will be £22.6billion more in 2025/26 than in 2023/24, as part of the Spending Review settlement. The employers’ National Insurance rise was implemented in April 2025. Primary care providers are valued independent contractors. Every year we consult with each sector both about what services they provide, and the money providers are entitled to in return under their contract. Operating costs for these providers are taken into account as a part of this process.

What assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the adequacy of access to NHS dentistry in new developments in West Dorset constituency.

Dental Statistics - England 2023/24, published by the NHS Business Services Authority on 22 August 2024, is available from the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/dental-england/dental-statistics-england-202324The data for the NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board, which includes the West Dorset constituency, shows that 36% of adults were seen by a National Health Service dentist in the previous 24 months up to June 2024, compared to 40% in England, and that 52% of children were seen by an NHS dentist in the previous 12 months up to June 2024, compared to 56% in England.The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access NHS dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.

With reference to the letter from the Chief Executive of NHS England entitled Working together in 2025/26 to lay the foundations for reform, published on 1 April 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the (a) proposed funding reductions and (b) organisational reorganisation on staff (i) training, (ii) retention and (iii) morale.

NHS England has asked the integrated care boards (ICBs) to act primarily as strategic commissioners and to reduce the duplication of responsibilities within their structure, to achieve reductions in their running cost allowance. NHS England will work closely with the ICBs to ensure these changes do not compromise the quality of care or the statutory responsibilities of ICBs. ICBs will also consider how these changes impact on staff, and will take the necessary steps to ensure continuity of staff training and support for staff morale, thereby protecting frontline staff.ICBs have drafted and shared their delivery and resource plans in accordance with the guidance set out in Sir Jim Mackey's letter of 1 April and the Model ICB framework. NHS England is working with ICBs to review and implement these plans, including is supporting staff through the transition.

What guidance his Department has provided to Integrated Care Boards on levels of redundancies due by the end of May 2025.

Integrated care boards have been asked to submit plans about how they will reduce their operating costs throughout this financial year. These are currently being assessed. The process of implementing any reductions will follow local employment change processes which will occur over several months. This will include local trade union involvement.

What estimate he has made of the number of redundancies there will be as a result of the reorganisation of integrated care boards in Dorset.

Proposed changes to integrated care board (ICB) functions and geography are being discussed as part of a wider National Health Service reform programme, to reduce management costs and focus more money on the front line.All ICBs in England are being asked to significantly reduce running costs and shift to a more strategic role, with different responsibilities. Specifically, ICBs have been asked to reduce pay costs by approximately 50%.It is too early to predict the impact of potential redundancy numbers. The Dorset ICB is discussing proposals to form a wider ICB “cluster” with neighbouring colleagues at the NHS Somerset ICB and the NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire ICB.Clustering will allow the ICBs to realise efficiencies, releasing resources for frontline care, while maintaining teams of sufficient size in order to be resilient and specialised.