Written questions by Vickers.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of regional variations in staff vacancy rates on waiting list lengths in NHS trusts.

The Department has not made an assessment and has no plans to make an assessment on the impact of regional variations in staff vacancy rates, the time taken to recruit into nursing roles, or the use of agency and bank staff, on elective waiting list lengths.NHS England published its planning guidance for 2025/26 in January 2025. This guidance sets out clear priorities for the National Health Service including delivery of the interim electives ambition of meeting nationally 65% of patients being seen within 18 weeks, along with a minimum 5% improvement, that was set out in the Elective Reform Plan.It is for trusts and integrated care boards to manage staffing of all professions, including through use of agency and bank staff, to deliver on these priorities within their agreed financial allocations.

Whether he is taking steps to make workforce data transparent at (a) trust and (b) ICB level.

There are a range of data sources published by NHS England relating to staff employed by National Health Service trusts and integrated care boards (ICB) in England, including monthly data on NHS workforce statistics, including information on the current staff in post as well as turnover. This information is provided at a trust level and ICB level as well as at a national level, and is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-workforce-statistics There is also monthly data on sickness absence rates for staff working in the NHS. As well as containing data on national sickness absence rates across staff groups, this data is also available at an ICB and trust level at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-sickness-absence-rates There is also quarterly data on vacancy rates in NHS trusts at a regional level, available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-vacancies-survey The above is also, on an ad hoc basis, published at trust level, such as in the supplementary release available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/supplementary-information/2024/total-vacancy-rates-by-org-since-201718 Additionally, the results of the annual NHS Staff Survey are also available at trust level at the following link:https://www.nhsstaffsurveys.com/results/national-results/ The Department and NHS England continue to review and develop available data sources on the NHS workforce at a local level.

Whether his Department is monitoring the number of administrative staff working in NHS back office functions; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions in those staff on (a) front-line staffing and (b) waiting lists.

The Department monitors monthly Hospital and Community Health Services workforce statistics for England which are published by NHS England. These cover staff employed by hospital trusts and integrated care boards. The published statistics include data for the National Health Service infrastructure workforce, which includes NHS managers, staff working in central functions, such as human resources and finance, and staff working in property and estates roles. These are available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-workforce-statistics No specific central assessment of the impact of changes in the levels of NHS infrastructure roles has been undertaken by the Department but local bodies were tasked through the 2025-26 NHS Priorities and Operational Planning Guidance to review and monitor expenditure on non-frontline staff in order to prioritise frontline care. This guidance also reiterates the ambition of meeting nationally the target of 65% of patients being seen within 18 weeks, along with a minimum 5% improvement, that was set out in the Elective Reform Plan.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of fast-tracking accreditation for internationally-trained healthcare professionals to help increase local staffing levels.

Healthcare professional regulators are the independent bodies responsible for safeguarding patient and public safety by ensuring that only those meeting the necessary standards can be added to their registers and work in the United Kingdom, whether qualified in the UK or overseas.As healthcare regulators are independent of Government, it is for regulators to determine the required processes and thresholds for registration. Some regulators already provide supported pathways for different groups of overseas qualified professionals, for example, refugees.Current arrangements under provisions in the EU Exit Regulations, known as the ‘standstill’ provisions, ensure that UK regulators continue to automatically recognise relevant European Union, European Economic Area and Swiss healthcare qualifications as they did before the UK left the EU. This enables applicants holding these qualifications to achieve UK registration more quickly.While achieving UK registration as an international healthcare professional should be as efficient and fast as possible, it is important that it remains a robust safeguard for patient protection.In addition, the Government is committed to developing homegrown talent and giving opportunities to more people across the country to join our National Health Service. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will outline strategies for improving retention, productivity, training, and reducing attrition, enhancing conditions for all staff, while gradually reducing reliance on international recruitment, without diminishing the value of their contributions.

What steps his Department is taking to improve access to urgent care services in areas where there is no A&E department within 10 miles.

Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning services to meet the needs of their local communities, as they are best placed to take those decisions.The Urgent and Emergency Care Plan 2025/26 sets out the planned action to be taken to improve services this year. Backed by almost £450 million, it will expand urgent and emergency care facilities to provide faster care for patients, including those services outside of acute hospitals.The 10-Year Health Plan focuses on shifting urgent care into the community through new Neighbourhood Health Services. This will improve the experience and care that people receive, rather than having to go to hospital unnecessarily, while more timely access to primary care and better proactive care for long term conditions will reduce demand into urgent and emergency care.

What discussions he has had with NHS England on the feasibility of rolling out a national prostate cancer screening initiative.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a universal prostate cancer screening programme.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing a universal screening programme for prostate cancer on long-term NHS costs.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of disparities in access to prostate cancer testing among different socioeconomic groups.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

Whether he plans to ensure that men in areas with higher incidence rates of prostate cancer have targeted access to early screening.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What steps he is taking to (a) raise awareness of prostate cancer symptoms and (b) encourage men to come forward for testing.

The Department remains committed to raising awareness of all cancer types, including prostate cancer, and recognises that there is more to be done to encourage men at increased risk to come forward for testing.The National Health Service, and several other local and national organisations, publish information on the signs and symptoms of many different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. This information can be found on the NHS.UK website, at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/Men with symptoms, those over the age of 50 years old, those from a black ethnic background, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, who are worried about their risk of prostate cancer, are urged to see a general practitioner.In January 2025, NHS England re-launched its Abdominal and urological symptoms of cancer phase of the Help Us Help You public awareness campaigns. These public campaigns aim to increase knowledge of cancer symptoms and address barriers to acting on them, to encourage people to come forward as soon as possible to see their general practitioner.In addition, NHS England has delivered a full roll out of non-specific symptom pathways, designed to speed up the diagnosis of cancer. Non-specific symptom pathways introduce a route to possible diagnosis for patients who display symptoms that could indicate cancer, but which do not align to specific cancers.

What steps he is taking to improve access to prostate cancer screening services.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of limited trial site locations on the ability of motor neurone disease patients to participate in research; and what support his Department provides to help patients who need to travel significant distances to access trials.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), funded by the Department, supports patients and the public to take part in high-quality research. In 2024/25, the NIHR Research Delivery Network supported 35 motor neurone disease (MND) studies and recruited over 2,900 participants.We recognise that MND trials are often concentrated in specialist centres, which can create challenges for patients who live far from these sites. To address this, NHS England and the NIHR provide practical support to reduce travel barriers. The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme enables eligible patients to claim travel expenses for National Health Service appointments, including research visits, while many trial sponsors and sites reimburse travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs. NIHR Clinical Research Facilities and the NIHR Research Delivery Network also provide logistical support to facilitate participation.In line with the NHS 10-Year Plan, there is a growing emphasis on delivering research in community and home settings, supported by digital tools and mobile research teams.

What plans his Department has to support MND Care Centres to participate in (a) research studies and (b) MND-SMART.

The Department is committed to funding health and care research via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) across England, to ensure that the research we support is inclusive and representative of the populations we serve. Government responsibility for motor neurone disease (MND) research is shared between the Department for Health and Social Care, with research delivered by the NIHR, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered by UK Research and Innovation.NIHR infrastructure has national coverage and is designed to build research capacity and capability across all settings, including MND care centres, to support participation in all eligible research studies. These mechanisms are well placed to support care centres’ participation in studies such as MND-SMART, ensuring centres have the guidance and practical support needed to take part in this trial.This sits alongside wider Government investment to accelerate MND research. Examples include £12.5 million to support discovery science at the UK Dementia Research Institute, £6 million for the MND Translational Accelerator, and £8 million for the EXPERTS-ALS drug screening programme, which complements the charity-funded MND-SMART trial.

How much funding his Department has allocated to support the (a) development and (b) expansion of MND clinical trial infrastructure.

The Department funds health and care research infrastructure through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). This provides world-class research expertise, specialist facilities, a dedicated research delivery workforce, and support services across the National Health Service and wider health and care system in England.NIHR infrastructure funding is not allocated by individual disease or therapy area. Instead, it underpins the development and expansion of research capacity across all specialties, including motor neurone disease (MND). Examples include:- Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs), with £909 million awarded from December 2022 to March 2028. Six BRCs conduct research into neurological disease, supporting discovery science and the development of new trial approaches;- the Research Delivery Network, with approximately £380 million provided each year, providing the NHS with support funding and the workforce to expand research delivery capability across regions, including for MND studies; and- Clinical Research Facilities, with £214 million invested until 2029 in 28 facilities, creating dedicated spaces for early-phase and complex trials such as drug, cell, and gene therapies, supporting both the development and expansion of MND clinical trials.Government responsibility for MND research is shared between the Department of Health and Social Care, with research delivered by NIHR, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). In addition, targeted investments are helping to strengthen trial capacity, including £6 million for the MND Translational Accelerator, which connects UK institutes to speed up the development of treatments, and £8 million for the EXPERTS-ALS programme, which screens promising drugs and complements the MND-SMART platform trial.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of regional variation in patient access to motor neurone disease clinical trials; and what steps he is taking to ensure equitable access across all NHS regions.

The Department is committed to ensuring equitable access to health and care research, including motor neurone disease (MND) studies, across all National Health Service regions. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) infrastructure has national coverage, but we recognise that trials in some disease areas can be concentrated in specialist centres, which can result in regional variation in patient access.Through investment in world-class expertise, specialist facilities, a dedicated research delivery workforce, and coordinated support services, the NIHR enables research to be set up and delivered effectively across the NHS and wider health and care system.Measures to ensure equitable access include supporting travel and accommodation costs through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme, study-level travel reimbursement, and practical assistance from NIHR Clinical Research Facilities and the Research Delivery Network.In line with the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, there is a growing emphasis on delivering research in community and home settings, supported by digital tools and mobile research teams. This approach reduces the need for hospital visits and ensures that patients with MND can participate in research regardless of their location. This work is complemented by wider Government investment, such as the £6 million MND Translational Accelerator and the £8 million EXPERTS-ALS programme, which are designed to connect research centres nationally and broaden opportunities for patients across regions.

What discussions his Department has had with (a) NHS England and (b) the National Institute for Health and Care Research on (i) expanding the number of recruiting sites for and (ii) including James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough in the MND-SMART trial.

Decisions on site selection for clinical trials rest with the study sponsor, shaped by the design and requirements of the trial.No discussions about the MND-SMART trial have been held with the Department. However, while we are not directly involved in these decisions, the Department works through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to ensure a fair and transparent process for site identification.The NIHR’s United Kingdom-wide site identification service enables National Health Service organisations, including the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, to express interest and suitability to host research. This provides an inclusive and transparent process that ensures opportunities are shared equitably across the country, with decisions guided by the real-time capacity and capability of sites.The Department is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with motor neurone disease, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.

Whether he has had recent discussions with local authorities on health inequalities in Stockton-on-Tees.

The United Kingdom faces significant health inequalities, with life expectancy and healthy life expectancy varying widely across and between communities. The Government is committed to building a fairer Britain, to ensure people can live well for longer, and spend less time in ill health, regardless of where they are born or their financial circumstances.The Department’s Office of Health Inequalities and Disparities North East and Yorkshire Regional Team collaborates with partners to provide system leadership for public health and to reduce health inequalities. The team facilitates the delivery of national and local public health priorities, providing expert advice. It also works with directors of public health in local authorities, integrated care systems, mayoral combined authorities, NHS England, and the wider National Health Service.North East local authorities received a total of £256 million in Public Health Grant funding for 2025/26, of which Stockton on Tees received £16.762 million. This funding provides services such as stop smoking, drug and alcohol treatment, health visiting/school nursing, and sexual health, among others, all of which contribute to addressing health inequalities.The Tees Valley Combined Authority also works to secure investment, create jobs, and grow the economy, helping to create the conditions in which health inequalities can be reduced.

What plans he has for (a) Admiral Nurses and (b) other dementia specialist nurses in the delivery of the proposed neighbourhood health service.

The Neighbourhood Health Service will bring together teams of professionals closer to people’s homes to work together to provide comprehensive care in the community. We expect neighbourhood teams and services to be designed in a way that reflects the specific needs of local populations, and so they could include dementia specialist nurses. While we will be clear on the outcomes we expect, we will give significant licence to tailor the approach to local need. While the focus on personalised, coordinated care will be consistent, services may look different in rural communities, coastal towns, or deprived inner cities.Provision of dementia health care services is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs). We would expect ICBs to commission services, which may include dementia specialist nurses/admiral nurses, based on local population needs, taking account of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guidelines. NICE recommends providing people living with dementia with a single named health or social care professional who is responsible for coordinating their care.Under the 10-year plan, those living with dementia will benefit from improved care planning and better services.  We will deliver the first ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia to deliver rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, expected in 2026.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Integrated Care Board decisions to reduce or withdraw gluten-free prescribing on patient health outcomes for people with coeliac disease.

The Department carried out an analysis of this issue as part of its Equalities Impact Assessment, which was published as part of the consultation on the availability of gluten-free (GF) foods on prescription in primary care, launched in March 2017. A copy of the Equality Impact Assessment following this consultation is available on the consultation page, at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/availability-of-gluten-free-foods-on-nhs-prescriptionWe looked at the equality impact assessment and the consultation responses, and as a result made the decision to retain GF bread and mixes on National Health Service prescription services. This will help coeliacs to obtain their basic food needs and will mitigate the risk that those on lower incomes are not able to purchase their own GF foods from retail outlets, where evidence shows that the price is often higher and availability more limited.In England, NHS prescription charge exemptions are in place to help those with the greatest need. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, whether they have a qualifying medical condition, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.We have frozen NHS prescription charges in England for the first time in three years, keeping the cost of a prescription below £10. This decision will help with the cost of living for millions of patients who regularly pay for prescriptions.Consumer food prices depend on a range of factors, including import prices, domestic agricultural prices, domestic labour and manufacturing costs, and exchange rates. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regularly engages with supermarkets and producers on a range of food supply matters. However, it is not for the Government to set retail food prices or to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions taken by businesses.