Written questions by Robertson.

Whether his Department plans to implement a commission lead review on dementia diagnostics.

Lord Darzi’s independent review showed that a timely diagnosis is vital to ensuring that a person with dementia can access the advice, information, care, and support that can help them to live well and remain independent for as long as possible.The 10-Year Health Plan will address the challenges diagnosed by Lord Darzi, and set the vision for what good joined-up care looks like for people with a combination of complex health and care needs. It will set out how we support and enable health and social care services to work together better to provide that joined-up care.The Government is launching an independent commission into adult social care as part of our critical first steps towards delivering a National Care Service. The commission, which is expected to begin in April 2025, will form a key part of the Government’s Plan for Change, recognising the importance of adult social care in its own right, as well as its role in supporting the National Health Service.It is a once in a generation opportunity to transcend party politics and engage in genuine debate on how we can deliver a National Care Service, ensuring all voices are heard, and putting the voices of those with lived experience at the heart of the conversation.

What steps his Department is taking to help the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence develop guidance on mild cognitive impairment.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) develops its guidance independently, on the basis of an assessment of the available evidence.To support timely decision making regarding the use of disease-modifying dementia treatments (DMDTs) in the National Health Service, and to facilitate the development of useful and useable NICE guidance, the NICE’s Health Technology Assessment Innovation Laboratory identified the key issues that might arise during the evaluation of DMDTs and concluded that the NICE’s current approach and methods are appropriate for evaluating these treatments.The NICE is currently evaluating two new licensed disease-modifying treatments for treating mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease, and has been unable to recommend them in its draft guidance. However, the NICE has not yet published final guidance and will take the comments received in response to its draft guidance fully into account in developing its final recommendations.A number of other disease-modifying treatments for dementia are in late-stage development and are expected to come to market in the next few years. To prepare for the new generation of dementia treatments in development, NHS England is working to ensure the diagnostic and treatment capacity, clinical pathway redesign, and investment are in place to support the adoption of any new licensed and NICE recommended treatments as soon as possible.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) future proof diagnostic systems and (b) improve access to subtype diagnoses in systems.

The Darzi Report highlights the significant underinvestment of capital in the National Health Service, with outdated scanners, too little automation, and a failure to enter the digital era. Patients have been let down for too long whilst they wait for the care they need, including diagnostic testing, which is key to the majority of elective and cancer pathways.Currently, the elective waiting list stands at 7.48 million patient pathways, with over six million people waiting. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the reforms needed to return to the 18-week Referral to Treatment (RTT) constitutional standard by March 2029, a standard which has not been met consistently since September 2015. This will include ensuring the diagnostic capacity needed to deliver on the standard.The Elective Reform Plan commits to transforming and expanding diagnostic services and speeding up waiting times for tests, a crucial part of reducing overall waiting times and returning to the RTT standard. This includes investment in Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs), expanding the number of CDCs operating seven days a week and 12 hours a day, as well as the tests they offer. We will also develop and roll out Straight to Test pathways, reducing the time taken for patients to receive a test, as well further improvements to the NHS’ digital capabilities. An investment of approximately £1.5 billion, as announced in the Autumn Budget, will enable diagnostics services to build on these foundations in 2025/26, to ensure diagnostic services are fit for the future. This will ensure that patients receive the diagnostic care where and when they need it, including for subtype diagnoses.

What steps he is taking to (a) invest in diagnostic infrastructure and (b) reduce waiting times.

The Darzi Report highlights the significant underinvestment of capital in the National Health Service, with outdated scanners, too little automation, and a failure to enter the digital era. Patients have been let down for too long whilst they wait for the care they need, including diagnostic testing, which is key to the majority of elective and cancer pathways.Currently, the elective waiting list stands at 7.48 million patient pathways, with over six million people waiting. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the reforms needed to return to the 18-week Referral to Treatment (RTT) constitutional standard by March 2029, a standard which has not been met consistently since September 2015. This will include ensuring the diagnostic capacity needed to deliver on the standard.The Elective Reform Plan commits to transforming and expanding diagnostic services and speeding up waiting times for tests, a crucial part of reducing overall waiting times and returning to the RTT standard. This includes investment in Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs), expanding the number of CDCs operating seven days a week and 12 hours a day, as well as the tests they offer. We will also develop and roll out Straight to Test pathways, reducing the time taken for patients to receive a test, as well further improvements to the NHS’ digital capabilities. An investment of approximately £1.5 billion, as announced in the Autumn Budget, will enable diagnostics services to build on these foundations in 2025/26, to ensure diagnostic services are fit for the future. This will ensure that patients receive the diagnostic care where and when they need it, including for subtype diagnoses.

What steps he is taking to support people with osteoporosis.

On 6 January 2025, NHS England published the new Elective Reform Plan, which sets out a whole system approach to hitting the 18-week referral to treatment target by the end of this Parliament. Part of the plan sets out funding to boost bone density scanning capacity, to support improvements in early diagnosis and bone health conditions such as osteoporosis. This will provide an estimated 29,000 extra scans per year.As announced in the ‘Get Britain Working’ white paper, we are delivering the joint Department for Work and Pensions, Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England Getting It Right First-Time (GIRFT) MSK Community Delivery Programme. With a £3.5 million funding boost, GIRFT teams will deploy their proven ‘Further Faster’ model to work with integrated care board leaders to further reduce musculoskeletal community waiting times, including for those with osteoporosis, and improve data, metrics and referral pathways to wider support services.

What steps he is taking to develop fracture liaison services nationwide.

The Government and NHS England support the clinical case for services which help to prevent fragility fractures and support the patients who sustain them. According to the Fracture Liaison Service Database 2022, at least 60 trusts in England had access to a Fracture Liaison Service. The Government is committed to ending the postcode lottery for access to these important preventative services, and the Department is working closely with NHS England to explore a range options to provide better quality and access, including ways to best support local systems.

What steps he is taking to implement Fracture Liaison Services for osteoporosis patients.

The Government and NHS England support the clinical case for services which help to prevent fragility fractures and support the patients who sustain them. According to the Fracture Liaison Service Database 2022, at least 60 trusts in England had access to a Fracture Liaison Service. The Government is committed to ending the postcode lottery for access to these important preventative services, and the Department is working closely with NHS England to explore a range options to provide better quality and access, including ways to best support local systems.

Whether (a) his Department and (b) NHS England collects data on hospital admissions of pensioners.

Information on the number of accident and emergency attendances and hospital admissions of pensioners is not available, although NHS England does publish information on accident and emergency attendances and admitted hospital attendances by age group. The following table shows the number of accident and emergency attendances in England for those aged 65 years old or over, in November and December 2024:MonthAccident and emergency attendancesNovember 2024365,265December 2024376,466In addition, the following table shows the number of admitted hospital attendances in England for those aged 65 years old or over, in November and December 2024:MonthAdmitted hospital attendancesNovember 2024160,630December 2024154,995Source: data is published by NHS England, and is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2024-25/Notes:the data is provided as a percentage of total admissions and attendances, and therefore, the figures have been calculated from these percentages and rounded to the nearest whole number; andthe data publication is released monthly, with December 2024 being the most recent publication, and therefore the figures for December are provisional and are subject to revisions.

Whether (a) his Department and (b) NHS England collects data on A&E attendances of pensioners.

Information on the number of accident and emergency attendances and hospital admissions of pensioners is not available, although NHS England does publish information on accident and emergency attendances and admitted hospital attendances by age group. The following table shows the number of accident and emergency attendances in England for those aged 65 years old or over, in November and December 2024:MonthAccident and emergency attendancesNovember 2024365,265December 2024376,466In addition, the following table shows the number of admitted hospital attendances in England for those aged 65 years old or over, in November and December 2024:MonthAdmitted hospital attendancesNovember 2024160,630December 2024154,995Source: data is published by NHS England, and is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2024-25/Notes:the data is provided as a percentage of total admissions and attendances, and therefore, the figures have been calculated from these percentages and rounded to the nearest whole number; andthe data publication is released monthly, with December 2024 being the most recent publication, and therefore the figures for December are provisional and are subject to revisions.

Whether his Department plans to make an estimate of the number of pensioners admitted to hospital in winter 2024-25.

Information on the number of accident and emergency attendances and hospital admissions of pensioners is not available, although NHS England does publish information on accident and emergency attendances and admitted hospital attendances by age group. The following table shows the number of accident and emergency attendances in England for those aged 65 years old or over, in November and December 2024:MonthAccident and emergency attendancesNovember 2024365,265December 2024376,466In addition, the following table shows the number of admitted hospital attendances in England for those aged 65 years old or over, in November and December 2024:MonthAdmitted hospital attendancesNovember 2024160,630December 2024154,995Source: data is published by NHS England, and is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2024-25/Notes:the data is provided as a percentage of total admissions and attendances, and therefore, the figures have been calculated from these percentages and rounded to the nearest whole number; andthe data publication is released monthly, with December 2024 being the most recent publication, and therefore the figures for December are provisional and are subject to revisions.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on elective care waiting lists.

No assessment has been made on the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on elective care waiting lists. The Government is committed to putting patients first. This means making sure that patients are seen on time and ensuring that people have the best possible experience during their care. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out an expectation that performance will increase from the current 58%, as of December 2024, to 65% by March 2026, with every trust expected to deliver a minimum 5% improvement by March 2026.

Whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the potential impact of means-testing of the winter fuel payment on the (a) NHS and (b) social care.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues across Government on issues of cross-departmental interest.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on the number of (a) flu, (b) Covid, (c) norovirus and (d) RSV cases.

An assessment of the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on the number of flu, COVID-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus cases has not been produced. The Government has taken action to ensure low-income households are protected this winter.

What account reform of the national contract for dentists is taking of circumstances unique to the Isle of Wight.

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 National Health Service dentists.There are no perfect payment systems and careful consideration needs to be given to any potential changes to the complex dental system, so that we deliver a system better for patients and the profession.We are continuing to work with the British Dental Association and other representatives of the dental sector to deliver our shared ambition to improve access to treatments for NHS dental patients.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 Isle of Wight East constituency, this is the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB. NHS England published guidance on flexible commissioning in October 2023, which advises ICBs on how they can tailor services to the needs of their population.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the Healthcare Visa scheme prioritises (a) ethical recruitment practices and (b) safeguards against the exploitation of migrant healthcare professionals.

The Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel prioritises stringent ethical standards for employers and recruiters to follow when recruiting health and social care staff from overseas on the Health and Care Worker visa. A guiding principle of the code is that international health and social care personnel will have the same legal rights and responsibilities as domestically trained staff in all terms of employment and conditions of work.The Department has also published guidance on applying for a health or care job in the United Kingdom from abroad to address the risks facing international candidates with regards to scams and workplace exploitation. The guidance aims to ensure that candidates are well informed about living and working in the UK, warned about the risks, and know who to contact if they have concerns.NHS England’s NHS Equality, Improvement and Diversity Plan sets out, and encourages organisations to implement, a comprehensive induction, onboarding, and development programme for internationally recruited staff, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued right from the start of their career. This includes the need to ensure there is clear communication, support, and guidance on the conditions of their employment.Pay uplifts for nurses and other healthcare staff employed directly on national contracts are determined through the Government responding to recommendations from the Pay Review Bodies (PRB). The PRBs base their recommendations on a range of factors including the economic context, cost of living, recruitment and retention, morale, and the motivation of National Health Service staff.

What steps he is taking to (a) recruit and (b) retain dentists in coastal areas.

We are determined to rebuild National Health Service dentistry, but it will take time and there are no quick fixes. Strengthening the workforce is key to our ambitions. Integrated care boards have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years, including in coastal areas. 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.

When he expects NHS England and NHS Improvement to publish the annual Learning from Lives and Deaths - people with a learning disability and autistic people (LeDeR) report.

NHS England commissions Kings College London and its partners to analyse data from Learning from Lives and Deaths, reviews from people with a learning disability and autistic people (LeDeR). The annual LeDeR report is published by Kings College London, who are currently working on the next annual report, and will publish it in the coming months. The last report was published in November 2023, and is available at the following link:https://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/assets/fans-dept/leder-2022-v2.0.pdf

What steps he is taking to (a) review and (b) reform the national contract for dentists; and what the timeline is for implementation.

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 National Health Service dentists.There are no perfect payment systems and careful consideration needs to be given to any potential changes to the complex dental system, so that we deliver a system better for patients and the profession.We are continuing to work with the British Dental Association and other representatives of the dental sector to deliver our shared ambition to improve access to treatments for NHS dental patients.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 Isle of Wight East constituency, this is the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB. NHS England published guidance on flexible commissioning in October 2023, which advises ICBs on how they can tailor services to the needs of their population.

What steps the Government is taking to ensure that (a) nurses and (b) other healthcare workers are (i) not exploited under the Healthcare Visa scheme and (ii) provided with fair (A) working conditions and (B) pay.

The Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel prioritises stringent ethical standards for employers and recruiters to follow when recruiting health and social care staff from overseas on the Health and Care Worker visa. A guiding principle of the code is that international health and social care personnel will have the same legal rights and responsibilities as domestically trained staff in all terms of employment and conditions of work.The Department has also published guidance on applying for a health or care job in the United Kingdom from abroad to address the risks facing international candidates with regards to scams and workplace exploitation. The guidance aims to ensure that candidates are well informed about living and working in the UK, warned about the risks, and know who to contact if they have concerns.NHS England’s NHS Equality, Improvement and Diversity Plan sets out, and encourages organisations to implement, a comprehensive induction, onboarding, and development programme for internationally recruited staff, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued right from the start of their career. This includes the need to ensure there is clear communication, support, and guidance on the conditions of their employment.Pay uplifts for nurses and other healthcare staff employed directly on national contracts are determined through the Government responding to recommendations from the Pay Review Bodies (PRB). The PRBs base their recommendations on a range of factors including the economic context, cost of living, recruitment and retention, morale, and the motivation of National Health Service staff.

What steps he is taking to (a) prevent the exploitation of foreign (i) nurses and (ii) healthcare workers under the Healthcare Visa scheme and (b) tackle (A) low wages, (B) long working hours and (C) poor living conditions.

The Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel prioritises stringent ethical standards for employers and recruiters to follow when recruiting health and social care staff from overseas on the Health and Care Worker visa. A guiding principle of the code is that international health and social care personnel will have the same legal rights and responsibilities as domestically trained staff in all terms of employment and conditions of work.The Department has also published guidance on applying for a health or care job in the United Kingdom from abroad to address the risks facing international candidates with regards to scams and workplace exploitation. The guidance aims to ensure that candidates are well informed about living and working in the UK, warned about the risks, and know who to contact if they have concerns.NHS England’s NHS Equality, Improvement and Diversity Plan sets out, and encourages organisations to implement, a comprehensive induction, onboarding, and development programme for internationally recruited staff, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued right from the start of their career. This includes the need to ensure there is clear communication, support, and guidance on the conditions of their employment.Pay uplifts for nurses and other healthcare staff employed directly on national contracts are determined through the Government responding to recommendations from the Pay Review Bodies (PRB). The PRBs base their recommendations on a range of factors including the economic context, cost of living, recruitment and retention, morale, and the motivation of National Health Service staff.