Every parliamentary written question tabled by Tom Morrison this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 61–80 of 123 · Department of Health and Social Care
Whether his Department has considered introducing temporary (a) medical visas and (b) emergency sponsorship routes for critically ill children from Gaza requiring urgent medical treatment in the UK.
I refer the Hon. Members to My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care’s Written Statement to the House on 1 September 2025, available at the following link:https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2025-09-01/hcws899
Whether his department has made an assessment of the potential impact of (a) delays of over 12 months for diagnoses to secure medication and (b) temporary inability to work until that medication is secured on (i) the economy and (ii) the NHS.
We have not made such an assessment on the impact of delays to diagnoses to secure medication or on the impact of patients waiting for medication being out of work.It is a priority of the Government to bring down National Health Service waiting lists. As set out in the Plan for Change, we are committed to returning to the NHS constitutional standard that 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to consultant-led treatment by March 2029. Where clinically appropriate, treatment will include medication.Most patients will require one or more diagnostic test as part of their care. While most patients will receive a diagnostic test within weeks, there remain too many patients waiting in excess of six weeks. In June 2025, the period of the latest published data, 21.3% of patients waiting for a diagnostic test had been waiting for six weeks or more.One of the reasons it is so important we focus on bringing down waiting lists for patients to receive treatment they need, including medication, is to allow them to continue with their day-to-day activities and employment. The Joint Work and Health Directorate is collaborating with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to improve the evidence on the relationship between health and labour market outcomes.The ONS plans to link NHS waiting times data, to which they recently acquired access, to Census, Department for Work and Pensions Benefits and HM Revenue and Customs Pay As You Earn records to analyse the relationship between waiting time duration, for various health conditions and procedures, and labour market outcomes such as employment status, gross pay and benefit receipt in England. ONS will confirm in due course when related analysis will be made available.
What discussions he has had with NHS England on the effectiveness of its procedures for ensuring that (a) formal governance processes and (b) approved plans and programmes cannot be undermined by NHS senior leaders.
My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has regular meetings with NHS England to discuss the effectiveness of procedures to hold healthcare leaders accountable for delivering on the Government’s priorities.There are clear expectations for National Health Service senior leaders, aligned with the NHS Leadership Compact, the Fit and Proper Person Test Framework, and the Nolan Principles. NHS England addresses concerns about poor behaviours through established human resources and governance channels.On 21 July 2025, we set out plans to regulate NHS managers via a statutory barring system. We will take forward legislative changes so that the Health and Care Professions Council can operate a barring mechanism for NHS board-level managers and their direct reports within this Parliament.
What steps he plans to take to tackle the lack of advertised nursing vacancies through the 10 Year Plan.
Decisions about recruitment are a matter for individual National Health Service employers, who manage this at a local level to ensure they have the staff they need to deliver safe and effective care.NHS England is working with employers, universities, and regional nursing leads to ensure that support is in place to help graduating nurses find a role as soon as possible after qualification and transition into the workplace.Later this year, we will publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan to create a workforce ready to deliver a transformed service. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will ensure the NHS has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it.
What steps he is taking to ensure that any outstanding complaints are thoroughly investigated by the organisations that take over the responsibilities of Healthwatch England and the 150 local Healthwatch organisations.
Dr Dash’s review of patient safety across the health and care landscape was published in July 2025. It recommended that the strategic functions of Healthwatch England are transferred into the new patient experience directorate of the Department. This new directorate will be responsible for overseeing the collection of more informed feedback from both patients and carers and significantly improving the complaints function across the National Health Service. It ensures that the NHS properly manages and learns from complaints.The abolition of Healthwatch England, the transfer of its functions, and the changes to local Healthwatch will require primary legislation. The timing of this is subject to the will of Parliament and will happen when parliamentary time allows.
What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that practicing nurses are able to find NHS employment and remain on the nursing register.
As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, this Government is committed to making the NHS the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals including our nurses. We will publish a 10-Year Workforce Plan this Autumn setting out how we will ensure all NHS staff including nurses are better treated, have better training, more fulfilling roles and hope for the future, so they can achieve more. NHS England is working with employers, universities, and regional nursing leads to ensure support is in place to help graduating nurses find a role as soon as possible after qualification and transition into the workplace.
What assessment has he made of the potential impact of abolishing Healthwatch England on outstanding complaints against these organisations.
Dr Dash’s review of patient safety across the health and care landscape was published in July 2025. It recommended that the strategic functions of Healthwatch England are transferred into the new patient experience directorate of the Department. This new directorate will be responsible for overseeing the collection of more informed feedback from both patients and carers and significantly improving the complaints function across the National Health Service. It ensures that the NHS properly manages and learns from complaints.The abolition of Healthwatch England, the transfer of its functions, and the changes to local Healthwatch will require primary legislation. The timing of this is subject to the will of Parliament and will happen when parliamentary time allows.
How many contracts his Department has awarded to private nursing companies to supplement NHS nurses in hospitals; and what the cost to his Department is of those contracts.
The Department does not hold contracts with companies for the supply of temporary nursing staff into the NHS (i.e. to NHS Trusts). NHS Trusts contract directly with private nursing companies to meet their requirements or call off work from such companies on national and NHS regional contract framework agreements.
How many MRI scans have to be repeated because of errors made in the initial scan each year; and what the cost to the NHS is of each MRI scan performed.
Data on the number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that have had to be repeated due to errors made in the initial scan is not held centrally. The following table shows the cost of MRI scans in the National Health Service broken down by Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) code and name, for 2025/26:HRG codeHRG namePrice, including cost of reportingCost of reportingRD01AMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of One Area, without Contrast, 19 years and over£130£26RD01BMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of One Area, without Contrast, between 6 and 18 years£218£26RD01CMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of One Area, without Contrast, 5 years and under£311£26RD02AMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of One Area, with Post-Contrast Only, 19 years and over£189£26RD02BMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of One Area, with Post-Contrast Only, between 6 and 18 years£331£26RD02CMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of One Area, with Post-Contrast Only, 5 years and under£473£26RD03ZMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of One Area, with Pre- and Post-Contrast£199£26RD04ZMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of Two or Three Areas, without Contrast£156£26RD05ZMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of Two or Three Areas, with Contrast£224£35RD06ZMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan of more than Three Areas£224£35RD07ZMagnetic Resonance Imaging Scan Requiring Extensive Patient Repositioning£263£35RD08ZCardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan without Contrast£450£26RD09ZCardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan with Post-Contrast Only£499£26RD10ZCardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan with Pre- and Post-Contrast£643£26Source: the 2025/26 NHS Payment Scheme, available at the following link under the ‘25/26 pay award prices’ section: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/2025-26-nhs-payment-scheme/
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 43317 on Prescriptions: Fees and Charges, what other exceptional reasons have resulted in the NHS Business Services Authority cancelling a penalty charge notice in each of the last five years, other than a medical condition that significantly impacted an ability to read or understand the form signed.
The Department does not hold the information requested. The NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA), which issues Penalty Charge Notices, does not hold or collect data outlining the exceptional circumstances relating to an easement of a prescription penalty charge. Each case is handled on an individual basis, considering the specific circumstances presented to the NHS BSA.
What training is provided to health professionals to ensure culturally sensitive dementia care.
We want all relevant staff to have received the appropriate training in order to provide high quality care to people with dementia, whether in hospital or in the community.Individual employers are responsible for ensuring their staff are trained and competent to carry out their role, and for investing in the future of their staff by providing continuing professional development funding.The required training needs are set out in the Dementia training Standards Framework, which is available at the following link:https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/info-hub/dementia-2015-updated-2018/It sets out the essential knowledge and skills and expected learning outcomes applicable across the health and care spectrum. The framework was commissioned and funded by the Department and developed in collaboration with the sector. It notes that person-centred dementia care involves considering the whole person, taking into account not just their health condition, but also each individual’s life history, unique abilities, interests, culture, preferences, and needs.There are a variety of resources available on the NHS England E-learning for Health platform, including a programme on dementia care, designed to enhance the training and education of the health and social care workforce.NHS England has also published a guide which aims to help health and social care workers provide dementia care which corresponds to the needs and wishes of people from a wide range of ethnic groups, especially minority ethnic groups. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/intercultural-dementia-care-guide/
Whether his Department is taking steps to provide culturally appropriate dementia services for (a) South Asian and (b) other ethnic minority groups.
The provision of dementia health care services is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs). We expect ICBs to commission services based on local population needs, taking account of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.NHS England has also published a guide which aims to help health and social care workers provide dementia care which corresponds to the needs and wishes of people from a wide range of ethnic groups, especially minority ethnic groups. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/intercultural-dementia-care-guide/Our health system has struggled to support those with complex needs, including those with dementia. Under the 10-Health 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, which will seek to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia, and which will set national standards for dementia care and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best possible care and support. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, expected in 2026.
What steps his Department is taking to help reduce (a) digital, (b) language and (c) other barriers to South Asian communities accessing GPs for dementia care.
We understand how vital it is to ensure that all patients with dementia, including those with language barriers or difficulty using digital services, have their communication needs met, so that they can access general practices (GPs) and other National Health Services, and receive the same quality of healthcare as others. To support this, GPs must provide translation and interpretation services. They are also expected to meet the Accessible Information Standard (AIS), which outlines how to meet the communication needs of patients who require language support. This ensures non-English speakers can access GP services safely.Digital tools, such as online consultation systems, can help patients book appointments, request prescriptions, and register more easily, especially for those who may struggle with phone conversations due to language barriers. However, we understand that digital access is not suitable for everyone. That’s why in-person support must always be available. GP reception desks must remain open to support those who cannot use phone or online options.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure that regulatory frameworks at (a) Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and (b) other hospitals do not inhibit patients in obtaining (i) prosthetic eyes and (ii) novelty prosthetics through the National Artificial Eye Service.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for the development and implementation of regulations for medical devices placed on the United Kingdom’s market, irrespective of the specific hospital in which they are used. All devices, including prosthetic eyes, must meet the relevant requirements of the UK Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (MDR 2002).The MHRA is developing a future regulatory framework for medical devices that will ensure patients have access to the safe and effective medical devices they need, including prosthetic eyes and other custom-made devices. The first step is the introduction of new Post-Market Surveillance regulations, which came into force in June, putting in place strengthened legal requirements for how manufacturers monitor and report on their devices once they are being used in the real world. We intend to follow this with updates to the MDR 2002, which will enter into force next year, bringing further risk-proportionate improvements to ensure device traceability and patient safety. This will include additional measures that must be taken before a product can be placed on the market, including enhanced requirements for custom-made devices. To support patient access to medical technologies, the MHRA recently consulted on proposals to introduce an international reliance scheme to enable swifter market access for certain devices that have already been approved in a comparable regulator country. The agency will publish a response to that consultation in due course.
What steps hi Department has taken to support GP practices who have taking on patients coming from private healthcare backgrounds.
The National Health Service and general practices (GPs) are free at the point of use, and anyone is entitled to register with an NHS GP regardless of whether they have had private healthcare before.Under the GP Contract, a contractor must not host private paid-for GP services that fall within the scope of NHS funded primary medical services, and must not themselves, or through another person, advertise the provision of private services using the same written or electronic means used to advertise the NHS funded primary medical services they provide.This does not prevent individual GPs from offering purely private GP services to non-registered patients, although these services must be outside the agreed medical services and separate to the services provided to their NHS patient list and on alternative premises which are not NHS-funded. This is intended to safeguard the model of comprehensive NHS primary medical care and ensure that the line between NHS and private practice does not become blurred.The British Medical Association provides guidance to GPs on its website for their responsibility in responding to private health care.
Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing additional support to people on waiting lists for an ADHD diagnosis who show clear symptoms.
It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including assessments and support for people suspected or confirmed as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Lord Darzi’s independent review of the National Health Service, published September 2024, highlighted that the demand for assessments for ADHD has grown significantly in recent years and that there are severe delays for accessing ADHD assessments.The independent ADHD taskforce, commissioned by NHS England to consider these issues and how to address them, recently published its interim report. The report recommends the need for timely access to needs-based support, including practical help for people showing signs of ADHD, such as coaching, classroom tools, and parenting advice. The taskforce's final report is expected to be published later this year, and we will carefully consider its recommendations.The Government is also supporting earlier intervention for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through the Early Language Support for Every Child and the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools programmes. The Government will be investing in support for pupils with SEND more widely, enabling transformation of the SEND system to make mainstream schools more inclusive and to improve outcomes.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that there is a wide range of customisations available to patients at all providers when procuring prosthetic eyes through the National Artificial Eye Service.
Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning artificial eye services. The National Artificial Eye Service supplies one artificial eye free of charge. Customised bespoke artificial eyes can be provided to patients at the time of the supply of a National Health Service prosthesis at a small cost. Further information, including examples of customisations provided to patients, can be found on the National Artificial Eye Service website, at the following link:https://www.naes.nhs.uk/custom-eyes
What steps his Department is taking to help reduce wait times for (a) assessment and (b) diagnosis of ADHD in Greater Manchester.
NHS England has established an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) taskforce which is bringing together those with lived experience with experts from the National Health Service, education, charity, and justice sectors to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including in accessing services and support. An interim report was published on 20 June 2025, with the final report expected to be published later in the year.For the first time, NHS England published management information on ADHD waits at a national level on 29 May 2025 as part of its ADHD data improvement plan. NHS England has also released technical guidance to integrated care boards (ICBs) to improve the recording of ADHD data, with a view to improving the quality of ADHD waits data and publishing more localised data in future. NHS England has also captured examples from ICBs who are trialling innovative ways of delivering ADHD services and is using this information to support systems to tackle ADHD waiting lists and provide support to address people’s needs.The Greater Manchester ICB has recently conducted reviews of both children and young people’s and adult ADHD pathways. The ICB has been working with people with lived experience and has developed new service models which aim to provide earlier, fairer, and more effective ADHD support locally. The ICB expects to begin implementing these pathway changes in the coming months.
Whether his Department considered including Cheadle Practice as being a high priority for estate improvements when determining allocations for the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund in the 2025-26 financial year.
The Government is committed to delivering a National Health Service that is fit for the future and recognises the importance of strategic, value for money investments in capital projects. We have made sure that every single region across the country receives a share of the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation funding, so the benefits are felt nationwide.NHS England worked with all integrated care boards, including Greater Manchester, to prioritise the schemes that local health leaders identified that met their communities most urgent needs.
Pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 47907 on Community Health Services, what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of clinical homecare to moving healthcare out of hospitals and into the community.
The Department remains committed to moving more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, to ensure patients and families receive the care they need when and where they need it. The 10-Year Health Plan will see more tests and scans and services delivered in the community, better joint working between services, and greater use of apps and wearable technology. All will support people to manage their conditions closer to home.Homecare medicines services will play a key role in this and have already grown considerably in the past five years, now supporting approximately 600,000 patients in England to receive specialist, hospital prescribed medicines at home, work or another convenient place.The Department and NHS England recognise the importance of strengthening homecare medicine services and continue to prioritise improvements in this area following the House of Lords Public Services Committee’s report, Homecare medicines services: an opportunity lost. The recommendations accepted by the Department and NHS England continue to be explored and developed. Work is underway to scope the opportunities to improve how homecare services can be procured, contracted, and delivered to meet the future needs of the NHS. An update on progress will be provided to the House of Lords Public Services Committee later this year.