Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Naish this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 21–40 of 174 · Department of Health and Social Care
What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of healthcare provision for prisoners with progressive neuromuscular conditions.
NHS England commissions prison health care services into every prison in England to the equivalence of the community, to include range, access and quality of service. Access to specialist consultants and referrals into specialised support is available in ...
What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of small, consistent maternity care teams in improving maternal outcomes such as in the Netherlands, Sweden and New Zealand; and whether
We recognise the potential for continuity of care within maternity services to improve women’s experience of maternity care and reduce inequalities in outcomes. However, maternity services need to have enough staff with the right skills in the right place...
What steps his Department is taking to improve the integration of maternity, mental health and wider medical services for women identified as high-risk during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
We recognise the potential for continuity of care within maternity services to improve women’s experience of maternity care and reduce inequalities in outcomes. However, maternity services need to have enough staff with the right skills in the right place...
What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing a named clinical lead for every woman accessing NHS maternity services to improve continuity of care and accountabilit
We recognise the potential for continuity of care within maternity services to improve women’s experience of maternity care and reduce inequalities in outcomes. However, maternity services need to have enough staff with the right skills in the right place...
Pursuant to the response to UIN 121786 on 23 March 2026, when the National Screening Committee will open the public consultation on screening for the conditions associated with sudden cardiac death.
The Government recognises the devastating impact of sudden cardiac death on young people, families, and communities.In considering whether any screening programme should be introduced, the Government is guided by the independent scientific advice of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). The UK NSC makes its recommendations based on internationally recognised criteria and a rigorous evidence review and consultation process. Where the committee is confident that offering screening provides more good than harm, they recommend a screening programme.Work is ongoing to complete and analyse the latest review of the evidence commissioned by the UK NSC looking at screening for the conditions associated with sudden cardiac death in young people. It is anticipated that the public consultation will open later this spring, and we would encourage those with an interest to contribute.
What steps his Department is taking to help integrate NHS national communications and local GP surgery communications.
As part of the Government’s investment in digital channels, the NHS App currently provides patients with a National Health Service ‘front door’ through which they can access primary care services, including making appointments, ordering prescriptions, and viewing test results.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, the NHS App will develop further to give patients greater control and choice over their healthcare, enabling them to see their whole health record and contribute to it in one place.NHS England guidance sets out a digital-first approach to patient communications, with the NHS App increasingly used as the primary channel for patient communications, including for general practice (GP) services, followed by text messages and emails where appropriate. However, digital-first does not mean digital-only, and we will continue to communicate with patients in a way that is comfortable and convenient for them.NHS England is linking local GP surgery communications with national NHS digital channels through NHS Notify, which includes messaging in the NHS App. NHS England does not currently mandate that all clinical systems utilise NHS Notify, but it is available for all suppliers to use, including those supporting GPs.
What steps his Department is taking to support those with serious mental health conditions through the Individual Placement and Support Programme.
The Department recognises the importance of supporting people with serious mental health conditions to access and remain in employment.Support to improve employment outcomes is embedded within NHS Talking Therapies services. Employment advisers are available in all NHS Talking Therapies services in England and work alongside therapists to provide tailored employment support alongside psychological therapy. In general, people referred for employment support are able to access this within four weeks, and where appropriate, employment support can be provided alongside therapy, or earlier where there is an urgent work-related issue.For people with more severe mental illness, the Department is expanding the Individual Placement and Support programme so that 73,500 people can access this evidence-based service by March 2028.More widely, the Department recognises that the fit note process is not working as effectively as it should in supporting people to manage health conditions at work. Through initiatives such as the WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Fund, local areas are piloting improved ways of connecting people to appropriate work and health support, helping to support earlier returns to work and reducing avoidable pressure on psychological therapy services. Wider work to better join up health and employment support includes initiatives such as Health and Growth Accelerators. Further information can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/funding-boost-to-support-patients-to-stay-in-and-return-to-work
What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of expanding the list of allergens which require highlighting on food products to include botanically classified ingredients such as pine nuts.
There are many foods that people might be allergic to, but the current list of 14 allergens, defined in legislation, are those established as the most common allergenic ingredients or processing aids of public health concern across Europe. They must be clearly identified on prepacked foods and communicated effectively when eating out. Foods like pine nuts are not classified as tree nuts and as such are not named in the regulations. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is working with the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology and other stakeholders to gather more information on hidden and emerging food allergens, which will help assess the need for further research and work in this area. Any change to the current list of the 14 mandated allergens would need to be supported by robust evidence and thoroughly assessed.The FSA continues to monitor the situation closely but at present there are no plans to amend the regulated list of 14 allergens. It advises those with an allergy or intolerance to foods outside of the mandated allergens should be able to check the ingredients list and avoid foods they need to, and in restaurants they should ask the person serving them if the food they wish to avoid is used in any of the dishes to make the right choices.
What steps his Department is taking to support families who have experienced an hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy event, including the provision of mental health support.
The Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigations (MNSI) programme provides independent, standardised, and family focused investigations for families, and where relevant, makes safety recommendations to improve services at a local level and across the whole maternity healthcare system in England. All cases of term hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) are referred to the programme for external and independent review. As part of the programme’s investigatory process, families are provided a named MNSI investigator as a dedicated point of contact, and are also supported by local trusts.Mental health services are also available in all areas of England for women who have pre-existing mental health needs prior to their pregnancy, as well as for those who experience mental health difficulties during or as a result of their pregnancy, labour, or birth.
What steps his Department is taking to support the diagnosis and treatment of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.
There are robust, standardised criteria in place for diagnosing and treating hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Babies who meet these criteria are managed through regional networked pathways established by the British Association of Perinatal Medicine framework.Treatment approaches are evidence-based and tailored to the severity of the condition. For infants diagnosed with moderate to severe HIE, therapeutic hypothermia is the recommended intervention and is typically initiated within the first six hours following birth.To further support the diagnosis and treatment of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, research is underway to enhance our understanding of neonatal brain function following therapeutic cooling. Data relating to brain injury is also being incorporated into the Maternity Outcomes Signal System, which will trigger service-led critical safety checks, offering early insights into potential intrapartum care safety issues, and facilitating rapid intervention to reduce harm and improve outcomes for affected babies.
What assessment his department has made of the potential merits of listing hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy as a condition on the NHS website.
A formal assessment has not been made on the potential merits of listing hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy as a condition on the National Health Service website.
What steps his Department is taking to utilise spare capacity in the chiropractic sector to support those with back pain.
NHS England does not nationally commission chiropractic care as it is a complementary and alternative medicine. Integrated care boards can make independent decisions on which health professionals they employ and may commission a limited amount of such treatment.There are currently no plans to review the categorisation of chiropractic care as a complementary and alternative medicine. Where musculoskeletal treatment is required, referrals will be made to physiotherapists where appropriate.
What steps his Department is taking to (a) increase awareness and (b) increase training for first aid for epilepsy.
The Department of Health and Social Care recognises the importance of increasing public understanding of epilepsy and ensuring that people who witness a seizure know how to respond safely. The National Health Service website provides clear, accessible first‑aid information on managing an epileptic seizure, including when to call 999 and how to keep a person safe until the seizure ends.This is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s Clinical Knowledge Summary scenario on managing an epileptic seizure, which gives evidence‑based advice for clinicians on seizure first aid and post‑seizure assessment. The guidance advises health professionals to ensure that families and carers know exactly what to do during a seizure, including basic first aid and when to call an ambulance. For those at risk of prolonged or repeated seizures, the guidance also advises that an individualised emergency management plan should be agreed upon, detailing any prescribed rescue medication and who is trained to use it.Sector‑specific guidance is also available to support wider awareness. The Department for Education provides materials for schools on supporting pupils with medical conditions, including epilepsy care plans and seizure‑response guidance for teachers and school staff. In workplaces, the Health and Safety Executive provide information for employers and colleagues on responding appropriately to seizures, ensuring safety, and enabling people with epilepsy to participate fully in work.In addition, voluntary sector organisations like Epilepsy Action work alongside the NHS on public awareness campaigns on tonic-clonic seizure first aid, featuring CARE, or Comfort, Action, and Reassure, techniques.Together, these resources help ensure that members of the public, professionals, and employers have access to reliable information on seizure first aid.
What steps his department are taking to improve A) diagnosis and B) treatment of children with long COVID.
NHS England has invested significantly in supporting people with long covid. This includes setting up specialist post-COVID-19, or long covid, services nationwide for adults, and children and young people, and investing in ensuring general practice teams are equipped to support people affected by the condition.Since April 2024, in line with the National Health Service operating framework and the establishment of integrated care systems, the commissioning of post-COVID-19 services has been the responsibility of local integrated care boards to meet the needs of their population, subject to local prioritisation and funding.To support clinical leadership in this area, NHS England worked in partnership with the British Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine to establish the International Post Covid and Post Infection Conditions Society to facilitate the ongoing sharing of best practice to support people affected by long covid.The National Institute for Health and Care Research and Medical Research Council, which is part of UK Research and Innovation, are committed to funding high-quality research to understand the causes, consequences, and treatment for long covid, including for children and young people. This includes the world’s largest longitudinal cohort study to understand the impact of long covid in children, the Children and young people with Long-Covid study.
What steps his department are taking to improve recognition and provision for people with long COVID.
NHS England has invested significantly in supporting people with long covid. This includes setting up specialist post-COVID-19, or long covid, services nationwide for adults, and children and young people, and investing in ensuring general practice teams are equipped to support people affected by the condition.Since April 2024, in line with the National Health Service operating framework and the establishment of integrated care systems, the commissioning of post-COVID-19 services has been the responsibility of local integrated care boards to meet the needs of their population, subject to local prioritisation and funding.To support clinical leadership in this area, NHS England worked in partnership with the British Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine to establish the International Post Covid and Post Infection Conditions Society to facilitate the ongoing sharing of best practice to support people affected by long covid.The National Institute for Health and Care Research and Medical Research Council, which is part of UK Research and Innovation, are committed to funding high-quality research to understand the causes, consequences, and treatment for long covid, including for children and young people. This includes the world’s largest longitudinal cohort study to understand the impact of long covid in children, the Children and young people with Long-Covid study.
Pursuant to the Answer of 2 December 2024 to Question 15949 on Achalasia: Health Services, when the NHS England Specialised Commissioning Paediatric Medicine: Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Service Specification was last updated.
Pathways for managing patients with achalasia are set out in the NHS England Specialised Commissioning Paediatric Medicine: Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Service Specification. The current specification was published in 2013/14, and there are no plans to update this specification at this time. The specification sets out that patients with achalasia should be managed within Specialist Paediatric Gastroenterology Centres under the care of an expert multidisciplinary team.Patients with achalasia may also receive care from a specialist surgical team, within Specialised Surgery in Children services, to help manage their condition. The NHS England Specialised Surgery in Children service specification sets out standards for these services, and an updated specification is due for publication in 2026.
What steps his Department is taking to improve (a) diagnosis and (b) treatment of achalasia.
The Government is committed to improving the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia. Work is underway to support an increase in the use of the Advice and Refer/Single Point of Access model, which can in turn improve waiting times for all gastro patients, including those with achalasia or suspected achalasia.More broadly, the Neighbourhood Health Framework has now been published, and will enable a more joined-up approach that delivers more preventative, local, personalised, and digitally enabled care for everyone, including for people living with achalasia. Central to the plans are neighbourhood health centres, which will bring more care closer to where people live. This is supported by the NHS App, which will become a health companion that makes it easier for patients to access the National Health Service. It will give patients a seamless experience across their health journey.
What steps his Department is taking to help support people with short and long-term spinal cord injuries.
Our 10-Year Health Plan will have profound and positive impacts on care for patients with spinal cord injury. More tests and scans are delivered in the community, better joined-up working between services, and greater use of technology will all support people in the management of long-term conditions, including spinal cord injuries.In March 2025, NHS England published the Spinal Services Clinical Network Specification, which establishes expectations for spinal clinical networks to standardise pathways and reduce variation, with the aim of improving access to care for patients.The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme for spinal services is also driving service improvements and better care for patients with spinal cord injuries. GIRFT has worked with National Health Service trusts to showcase examples of best practice which other services can then learn from.In October 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published new guidance on rehabilitation for chronic neurological disorders, which includes rehabilitation for spinal cord injury.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of lowering the income threshold for the NHS salary sacrifice car scheme.
No specific assessment has been made. Employers in the National Health Service offer a broad range of salary sacrifice schemes which have varying values and requirements. The interaction with the national minimum wage must be considered for all employees who participate in one or more of these schemes. Participation must not mean that an employee’s cash earnings fall below the National Minimum Wage. This is not new policy and is not specific to the NHS.
What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of guidance provided to NHS staff considering partial retirement under the NHS partial retirement scheme in relation to the potential impact on future redundancy entitlements.
Partial retirement does not mean that National Health Service staff are ineligible for redundancy payments. However, taking partial retirement may change the way in which contractual redundancy payments are calculated.The rules concerning the calculation of redundancy payments for National Health Service staff who have previously taken pension benefits are determined in accordance with their contracts of employment, and statutory redundancy entitlements.Redundancy terms for NHS staff on the Agenda for Change contract are set out under section 16 of the NHS Staff Terms and Conditions of Service handbook. This also applies to NHS staff whose redundancy terms refer to section 16. This section states that service used for the purposes of calculating previous pension benefits will not count for the calculation of a contractual redundancy payment. Statutory redundancy entitlements are unaffected.The Department commissions NHS Employers to provide guidance for employers on a range of topics, including NHS redundancy arrangements and retirement options for NHS staff. The NHS Employers guidance clearly sets out the position in relation to partial retirement and redundancy.