Department of Health and Social Care

The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

The requested data is not contained within the Abortion Statistics for England and Wales 2023, which remains the last set of data published in this area.

In 2025/26, 90% of invoices in all National Health Service trusts were paid within 30 days. NHS England monitors the financial performance of all NHS trusts through its National Oversight Framework, which helps to identify where additional support or intervention is needed. Trusts that forecast cashflow shortfalls may apply for revenue support in line with NHS England’s revenue finance and contracting guidance, enabling them to continue meeting their short-term financial obligations, while longer-term recovery plans are implemented.

Integrated care boards currently commission NHS sight testing services to contract terms set in regulations, with fees also set nationally through directions. There are no plans to move away from this approach.

The GP Contract is clear that patients must be able to contact their practice by telephone or by visiting in person, and that online tools must be provided in addition to, rather than as a replacement for, those routes. Those requirements are also reflected in the guidance issued to primary care networks in July 2023 on the need to reduce digital exclusion.

There is regular engagement at all levels of the Department with industry and other stakeholders affected by existing or proposed health regulations and guidance. Details of all meetings that ministers and senior officials have with external bodies are published on a quarterly basis in the Department’s transparency returns.

The Government recognises that foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) can have a significant impact on the early years of development for children. The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.

Evidence on the prevalence of FASD is limited. Estimates based on individual local studies range between 18 and 170 cases per 1,000.

While there is no specific treatment for FASD, early diagnosis and appropriate support can make an important difference. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including treatment pathways and support for FASD in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

The Department asked NICE to produce a Quality Standard in England for FASD to help providers and commissioners improve both diagnosis and support for people affected by FASD.

This includes guidance on individualised management plans, which help to coordinate care across a range of healthcare professionals, as well as education and social services, and improve outcomes.

The Quality Standard also covers support during pregnancy to improve awareness and prevent the disorder.

The Government is developing a new cross-Government mental health strategy for England, to be published later this year. The strategy will take a broad approach to improving mental health and wellbeing, rather than focusing on individual conditions.

No working groups currently exist within the Department for the consideration of FASD. No estimate has been made of the cost to the taxpayer of support for people suffering from FASD.

The Government recognises that foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) can have a significant impact on the early years of development for children. The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.

Evidence on the prevalence of FASD is limited. Estimates based on individual local studies range between 18 and 170 cases per 1,000.

While there is no specific treatment for FASD, early diagnosis and appropriate support can make an important difference. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including treatment pathways and support for FASD in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

The Department asked NICE to produce a Quality Standard in England for FASD to help providers and commissioners improve both diagnosis and support for people affected by FASD.

This includes guidance on individualised management plans, which help to coordinate care across a range of healthcare professionals, as well as education and social services, and improve outcomes.

The Quality Standard also covers support during pregnancy to improve awareness and prevent the disorder.

The Government is developing a new cross-Government mental health strategy for England, to be published later this year. The strategy will take a broad approach to improving mental health and wellbeing, rather than focusing on individual conditions.

No working groups currently exist within the Department for the consideration of FASD. No estimate has been made of the cost to the taxpayer of support for people suffering from FASD.

The Government recognises that foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) can have a significant impact on the early years of development for children. The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.

Evidence on the prevalence of FASD is limited. Estimates based on individual local studies range between 18 and 170 cases per 1,000.

While there is no specific treatment for FASD, early diagnosis and appropriate support can make an important difference. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including treatment pathways and support for FASD in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

The Department asked NICE to produce a Quality Standard in England for FASD to help providers and commissioners improve both diagnosis and support for people affected by FASD.

This includes guidance on individualised management plans, which help to coordinate care across a range of healthcare professionals, as well as education and social services, and improve outcomes.

The Quality Standard also covers support during pregnancy to improve awareness and prevent the disorder.

The Government is developing a new cross-Government mental health strategy for England, to be published later this year. The strategy will take a broad approach to improving mental health and wellbeing, rather than focusing on individual conditions.

No working groups currently exist within the Department for the consideration of FASD. No estimate has been made of the cost to the taxpayer of support for people suffering from FASD.

The Government recognises that foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) can have a significant impact on the early years of development for children. The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.

Evidence on the prevalence of FASD is limited. Estimates based on individual local studies range between 18 and 170 cases per 1,000.

While there is no specific treatment for FASD, early diagnosis and appropriate support can make an important difference. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including treatment pathways and support for FASD in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

The Department asked NICE to produce a Quality Standard in England for FASD to help providers and commissioners improve both diagnosis and support for people affected by FASD.

This includes guidance on individualised management plans, which help to coordinate care across a range of healthcare professionals, as well as education and social services, and improve outcomes.

The Quality Standard also covers support during pregnancy to improve awareness and prevent the disorder.

The Government is developing a new cross-Government mental health strategy for England, to be published later this year. The strategy will take a broad approach to improving mental health and wellbeing, rather than focusing on individual conditions.

No working groups currently exist within the Department for the consideration of FASD. No estimate has been made of the cost to the taxpayer of support for people suffering from FASD.

The Government recognises that foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) can have a significant impact on the early years of development for children. The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.

Evidence on the prevalence of FASD is limited. Estimates based on individual local studies range between 18 and 170 cases per 1,000.

While there is no specific treatment for FASD, early diagnosis and appropriate support can make an important difference. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including treatment pathways and support for FASD in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

The Department asked NICE to produce a Quality Standard in England for FASD to help providers and commissioners improve both diagnosis and support for people affected by FASD.

This includes guidance on individualised management plans, which help to coordinate care across a range of healthcare professionals, as well as education and social services, and improve outcomes.

The Quality Standard also covers support during pregnancy to improve awareness and prevent the disorder.

The Government is developing a new cross-Government mental health strategy for England, to be published later this year. The strategy will take a broad approach to improving mental health and wellbeing, rather than focusing on individual conditions.

No working groups currently exist within the Department for the consideration of FASD. No estimate has been made of the cost to the taxpayer of support for people suffering from FASD.

The Government recognises that foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) can have a significant impact on the early years of development for children. The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.

Evidence on the prevalence of FASD is limited. Estimates based on individual local studies range between 18 and 170 cases per 1,000.

While there is no specific treatment for FASD, early diagnosis and appropriate support can make an important difference. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including treatment pathways and support for FASD in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

The Department asked NICE to produce a Quality Standard in England for FASD to help providers and commissioners improve both diagnosis and support for people affected by FASD.

This includes guidance on individualised management plans, which help to coordinate care across a range of healthcare professionals, as well as education and social services, and improve outcomes.

The Quality Standard also covers support during pregnancy to improve awareness and prevent the disorder.

The Government is developing a new cross-Government mental health strategy for England, to be published later this year. The strategy will take a broad approach to improving mental health and wellbeing, rather than focusing on individual conditions.

No working groups currently exist within the Department for the consideration of FASD. No estimate has been made of the cost to the taxpayer of support for people suffering from FASD.

NHS England advises that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in North Derbyshire are provided by the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. As of September 2026, the average waiting time for young people on the CAMHS waiting list in North Derbyshire was 14 weeks, with the longest waiting time being 42 weeks.

As of the end of June 2026, 57 children and young people in North Derbyshire were on the CAMHS waiting list for an autism spectrum disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment. Obsessive compulsive disorder is primarily classified as a mental health condition and is not separately identified on the CAMHS waiting list.

CAMHS has a process in place to support and monitor children and young people while they are waiting for an appointment. The relevant Standard Operating Procedure for the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was reviewed and ratified through CAMHS governance processes on 13 October 2026.

Supporting children, young people, and their families while they wait for CAMHS is also a priority within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Priority Impact Plan and is subject to ongoing assessment by the Care Quality Commission. As part of work to review and improve the support available, the integrated care board has worked with parents and carers to assess the information and support available to families. This has included a recent update to the Derbyshire Local Offer: Children and Young People's Mental Health Support, which helps families understand the mental health and wellbeing support available to children and young people. Further information on the offer is available at the following link:

https://www.localoffer.derbyshire.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-support/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-support.aspx

The Government’s ambition is for Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) to provide coverage across 100% of schools in England by the end of 2029, which we are on track to deliver. This does not mean that every school will have its own dedicated counsellor. MHSTs work across groups of schools and provide support through multidisciplinary teams, including Education Mental Health Practitioners. They offer early, evidence-based support for children and young people and help schools develop whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

In Bolsover, an established MHST supports a defined group of schools, although provision does not currently extend directly to every school. Across Derby and Derbyshire, Compass Changing Lives provides an emotional health and wellbeing offer across all schools. Its Early Intervention and Targeted Support Service provides support in areas that are not covered by an MHST.

NHS England advises that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in North Derbyshire are provided by the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. As of September 2026, the average waiting time for young people on the CAMHS waiting list in North Derbyshire was 14 weeks, with the longest waiting time being 42 weeks.

As of the end of June 2026, 57 children and young people in North Derbyshire were on the CAMHS waiting list for an autism spectrum disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment. Obsessive compulsive disorder is primarily classified as a mental health condition and is not separately identified on the CAMHS waiting list.

CAMHS has a process in place to support and monitor children and young people while they are waiting for an appointment. The relevant Standard Operating Procedure for the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was reviewed and ratified through CAMHS governance processes on 13 October 2026.

Supporting children, young people, and their families while they wait for CAMHS is also a priority within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Priority Impact Plan and is subject to ongoing assessment by the Care Quality Commission. As part of work to review and improve the support available, the integrated care board has worked with parents and carers to assess the information and support available to families. This has included a recent update to the Derbyshire Local Offer: Children and Young People's Mental Health Support, which helps families understand the mental health and wellbeing support available to children and young people. Further information on the offer is available at the following link:

https://www.localoffer.derbyshire.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-support/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-support.aspx

The Government’s ambition is for Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) to provide coverage across 100% of schools in England by the end of 2029, which we are on track to deliver. This does not mean that every school will have its own dedicated counsellor. MHSTs work across groups of schools and provide support through multidisciplinary teams, including Education Mental Health Practitioners. They offer early, evidence-based support for children and young people and help schools develop whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

In Bolsover, an established MHST supports a defined group of schools, although provision does not currently extend directly to every school. Across Derby and Derbyshire, Compass Changing Lives provides an emotional health and wellbeing offer across all schools. Its Early Intervention and Targeted Support Service provides support in areas that are not covered by an MHST.

NHS England advises that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in North Derbyshire are provided by the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. As of September 2026, the average waiting time for young people on the CAMHS waiting list in North Derbyshire was 14 weeks, with the longest waiting time being 42 weeks.

As of the end of June 2026, 57 children and young people in North Derbyshire were on the CAMHS waiting list for an autism spectrum disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment. Obsessive compulsive disorder is primarily classified as a mental health condition and is not separately identified on the CAMHS waiting list.

CAMHS has a process in place to support and monitor children and young people while they are waiting for an appointment. The relevant Standard Operating Procedure for the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was reviewed and ratified through CAMHS governance processes on 13 October 2026.

Supporting children, young people, and their families while they wait for CAMHS is also a priority within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Priority Impact Plan and is subject to ongoing assessment by the Care Quality Commission. As part of work to review and improve the support available, the integrated care board has worked with parents and carers to assess the information and support available to families. This has included a recent update to the Derbyshire Local Offer: Children and Young People's Mental Health Support, which helps families understand the mental health and wellbeing support available to children and young people. Further information on the offer is available at the following link:

https://www.localoffer.derbyshire.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-support/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-support.aspx

The Government’s ambition is for Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) to provide coverage across 100% of schools in England by the end of 2029, which we are on track to deliver. This does not mean that every school will have its own dedicated counsellor. MHSTs work across groups of schools and provide support through multidisciplinary teams, including Education Mental Health Practitioners. They offer early, evidence-based support for children and young people and help schools develop whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

In Bolsover, an established MHST supports a defined group of schools, although provision does not currently extend directly to every school. Across Derby and Derbyshire, Compass Changing Lives provides an emotional health and wellbeing offer across all schools. Its Early Intervention and Targeted Support Service provides support in areas that are not covered by an MHST.

NHS England advises that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in North Derbyshire are provided by the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. As of September 2026, the average waiting time for young people on the CAMHS waiting list in North Derbyshire was 14 weeks, with the longest waiting time being 42 weeks.

As of the end of June 2026, 57 children and young people in North Derbyshire were on the CAMHS waiting list for an autism spectrum disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment. Obsessive compulsive disorder is primarily classified as a mental health condition and is not separately identified on the CAMHS waiting list.

CAMHS has a process in place to support and monitor children and young people while they are waiting for an appointment. The relevant Standard Operating Procedure for the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was reviewed and ratified through CAMHS governance processes on 13 October 2026.

Supporting children, young people, and their families while they wait for CAMHS is also a priority within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Priority Impact Plan and is subject to ongoing assessment by the Care Quality Commission. As part of work to review and improve the support available, the integrated care board has worked with parents and carers to assess the information and support available to families. This has included a recent update to the Derbyshire Local Offer: Children and Young People's Mental Health Support, which helps families understand the mental health and wellbeing support available to children and young people. Further information on the offer is available at the following link:

https://www.localoffer.derbyshire.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-support/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-support.aspx

The Government’s ambition is for Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) to provide coverage across 100% of schools in England by the end of 2029, which we are on track to deliver. This does not mean that every school will have its own dedicated counsellor. MHSTs work across groups of schools and provide support through multidisciplinary teams, including Education Mental Health Practitioners. They offer early, evidence-based support for children and young people and help schools develop whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

In Bolsover, an established MHST supports a defined group of schools, although provision does not currently extend directly to every school. Across Derby and Derbyshire, Compass Changing Lives provides an emotional health and wellbeing offer across all schools. Its Early Intervention and Targeted Support Service provides support in areas that are not covered by an MHST.

The questions that the Hon. Member has raised are at the heart of the review being carried out by The Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, as Baroness Casey develops proposals for a National Care Service that will put adult social care in England on a sustainable financial footing, and ensure that it provides properly funded, managed and integrated support to everyone who needs it. The Government has brought Baroness Casey’s final report forward to summer next year, and we will set out next steps once that report is received.

The questions that the Hon. Member has raised are at the heart of the review being carried out by The Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, as Baroness Casey develops proposals for a National Care Service that will put adult social care in England on a sustainable financial footing, and ensure that it provides properly funded, managed and integrated support to everyone who needs it. The Government has brought Baroness Casey’s final report forward to summer next year, and we will set out next steps once that report is received.

The questions that the Hon. Member has raised are at the heart of the review being carried out by The Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, as Baroness Casey develops proposals for a National Care Service that will put adult social care in England on a sustainable financial footing, and ensure that it provides properly funded, managed and integrated support to everyone who needs it. The Government has brought Baroness Casey’s final report forward to summer next year, and we will set out next steps once that report is received.

The questions that the Hon. Member has raised are at the heart of the review being carried out by The Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, as Baroness Casey develops proposals for a National Care Service that will put adult social care in England on a sustainable financial footing, and ensure that it provides properly funded, managed and integrated support to everyone who needs it. The Government has brought Baroness Casey’s final report forward to summer next year, and we will set out next steps once that report is received.

The questions that the Hon. Member has raised are at the heart of the review being carried out by The Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, as Baroness Casey develops proposals for a National Care Service that will put adult social care in England on a sustainable financial footing, and ensure that it provides properly funded, managed and integrated support to everyone who needs it. The Government has brought Baroness Casey’s final report forward to summer next year, and we will set out next steps once that report is received.

An appropriate impact assessment was conducted in line with NHS England’s obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

I refer the Hon. Member to the impact assessment that has been laid before Parliament, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-bill-abolishing-nhs-england-impact-assessment

The latest information on NHS England's workforce, including information on redundancy, was published in NHS England's most recent Annual Report and Accounts. This is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-england-annual-report-and-accounts-2025-to-2026

The Government recognises the serious concerns raised by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) and is committed to reducing long waits and improving patient safety across urgent and emergency care. This includes providing targeted support to trusts most affected by corridor care, expanding urgent treatment centre and same day emergency care capacity, improving patient flow and discharge, and working to eradicate corridor care by the end of this Parliament.

I have nothing to add at this time to the answer provided to the Hon. Member for North East Hampshire on 15 June in response to Question 6594.

NHS England uses the national Operational Pressures Escalation Levels framework, which provides a unified, systematic, and structured approach to co-ordinate responses to operational pressures at system, regional, and national levels.

The National Health Service approaches each winter on the basis that local services will face severe pressures, and plan accordingly. NHS England has set out its winter planning expectations for 2026/27, requiring every local area to have a robust, clinically led, and deliverable winter plan, tested against surge and extreme surge scenarios.

Integrated care boards are responsible for winter plans for their areas, agreed with local partners, while NHS England regional teams oversee preparedness and performance and co-ordinate mutual aid where required.

NHS England uses the national Operational Pressures Escalation Levels framework, which provides a unified, systematic, and structured approach to co-ordinate responses to operational pressures at system, regional, and national levels.

The National Health Service approaches each winter on the basis that local services will face severe pressures, and plan accordingly. NHS England has set out its winter planning expectations for 2026/27, requiring every local area to have a robust, clinically led, and deliverable winter plan, tested against surge and extreme surge scenarios.

Integrated care boards are responsible for winter plans for their areas, agreed with local partners, while NHS England regional teams oversee preparedness and performance and co-ordinate mutual aid where required.

The Department and NHS England are in regular dialogue with the charities, research bodies and other experts campaigning for improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and we will carefully review the latest proposals submitted by Pancreatic Cancer UK.

On the existing steps we are taking on pancreatic cancer, I refer the Hon. Member to the answers provided on 18 July 2025 in response to Question 66716, and on 15 July 2026 in response to Question 16704.

If the Hon. Member is referring to the National Health Service as a whole, I refer him to the answer provided on 16 September in response to Question 23114. If he is referring to NHS England specifically, we are not aware of the organisation holding any such equipment.

There has been no national survey to identify the use of reinforced clay pot and beam construction across the National Health Service estate. NHS organisations are responsible for maintaining their estates and identifying the construction types present in their buildings.

Following the review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and publication of the Plan for Implementation in January 2025, Hampshire Hospitals was placed in Wave 3, with main construction expected to start between 2037 and 2039.

A multi-criteria decision support analysis tool was used to support the prioritisation of schemes. Schemes were assessed on factors such as risk, deliverability, clinical outcomes, cost, and the estate conditions.

As set out in the Plan for Implementation, schemes were prioritised into upper, middle, and lower thirds. Through this analysis, consideration was given to whether the nine schemes that were already proposed to start after 2030 following the May 2023 announcement, including Hampshire Hospitals, were sufficiently high risk to substitute other schemes in upcoming waves of construction.

The output was reviewed with colleagues across the Department, the NHP and NHS England to generate a delivery schedule for the programme that aligned with the NHP’s funding envelope.

The devolution programme has not impacted the NHP.

There has been no national survey to identify the use of reinforced clay pot and beam construction across the National Health Service estate. NHS organisations are responsible for maintaining their estates and identifying the construction types present in their buildings.

Following the review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and publication of the Plan for Implementation in January 2025, Hampshire Hospitals was placed in Wave 3, with main construction expected to start between 2037 and 2039.

A multi-criteria decision support analysis tool was used to support the prioritisation of schemes. Schemes were assessed on factors such as risk, deliverability, clinical outcomes, cost, and the estate conditions.

As set out in the Plan for Implementation, schemes were prioritised into upper, middle, and lower thirds. Through this analysis, consideration was given to whether the nine schemes that were already proposed to start after 2030 following the May 2023 announcement, including Hampshire Hospitals, were sufficiently high risk to substitute other schemes in upcoming waves of construction.

The output was reviewed with colleagues across the Department, the NHP and NHS England to generate a delivery schedule for the programme that aligned with the NHP’s funding envelope.

The devolution programme has not impacted the NHP.

There has been no national survey to identify the use of reinforced clay pot and beam construction across the National Health Service estate. NHS organisations are responsible for maintaining their estates and identifying the construction types present in their buildings.

Following the review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and publication of the Plan for Implementation in January 2025, Hampshire Hospitals was placed in Wave 3, with main construction expected to start between 2037 and 2039.

A multi-criteria decision support analysis tool was used to support the prioritisation of schemes. Schemes were assessed on factors such as risk, deliverability, clinical outcomes, cost, and the estate conditions.

As set out in the Plan for Implementation, schemes were prioritised into upper, middle, and lower thirds. Through this analysis, consideration was given to whether the nine schemes that were already proposed to start after 2030 following the May 2023 announcement, including Hampshire Hospitals, were sufficiently high risk to substitute other schemes in upcoming waves of construction.

The output was reviewed with colleagues across the Department, the NHP and NHS England to generate a delivery schedule for the programme that aligned with the NHP’s funding envelope.

The devolution programme has not impacted the NHP.

There has been no national survey to identify the use of reinforced clay pot and beam construction across the National Health Service estate. NHS organisations are responsible for maintaining their estates and identifying the construction types present in their buildings.

Following the review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and publication of the Plan for Implementation in January 2025, Hampshire Hospitals was placed in Wave 3, with main construction expected to start between 2037 and 2039.

A multi-criteria decision support analysis tool was used to support the prioritisation of schemes. Schemes were assessed on factors such as risk, deliverability, clinical outcomes, cost, and the estate conditions.

As set out in the Plan for Implementation, schemes were prioritised into upper, middle, and lower thirds. Through this analysis, consideration was given to whether the nine schemes that were already proposed to start after 2030 following the May 2023 announcement, including Hampshire Hospitals, were sufficiently high risk to substitute other schemes in upcoming waves of construction.

The output was reviewed with colleagues across the Department, the NHP and NHS England to generate a delivery schedule for the programme that aligned with the NHP’s funding envelope.

The devolution programme has not impacted the NHP.

There has been no national survey to identify the use of reinforced clay pot and beam construction across the National Health Service estate. NHS organisations are responsible for maintaining their estates and identifying the construction types present in their buildings.

Following the review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and publication of the Plan for Implementation in January 2025, Hampshire Hospitals was placed in Wave 3, with main construction expected to start between 2037 and 2039.

A multi-criteria decision support analysis tool was used to support the prioritisation of schemes. Schemes were assessed on factors such as risk, deliverability, clinical outcomes, cost, and the estate conditions.

As set out in the Plan for Implementation, schemes were prioritised into upper, middle, and lower thirds. Through this analysis, consideration was given to whether the nine schemes that were already proposed to start after 2030 following the May 2023 announcement, including Hampshire Hospitals, were sufficiently high risk to substitute other schemes in upcoming waves of construction.

The output was reviewed with colleagues across the Department, the NHP and NHS England to generate a delivery schedule for the programme that aligned with the NHP’s funding envelope.

The devolution programme has not impacted the NHP.

There has been no national survey to identify the use of reinforced clay pot and beam construction across the National Health Service estate. NHS organisations are responsible for maintaining their estates and identifying the construction types present in their buildings.

Following the review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and publication of the Plan for Implementation in January 2025, Hampshire Hospitals was placed in Wave 3, with main construction expected to start between 2037 and 2039.

A multi-criteria decision support analysis tool was used to support the prioritisation of schemes. Schemes were assessed on factors such as risk, deliverability, clinical outcomes, cost, and the estate conditions.

As set out in the Plan for Implementation, schemes were prioritised into upper, middle, and lower thirds. Through this analysis, consideration was given to whether the nine schemes that were already proposed to start after 2030 following the May 2023 announcement, including Hampshire Hospitals, were sufficiently high risk to substitute other schemes in upcoming waves of construction.

The output was reviewed with colleagues across the Department, the NHP and NHS England to generate a delivery schedule for the programme that aligned with the NHP’s funding envelope.

The devolution programme has not impacted the NHP.

There has been no national survey to identify the use of reinforced clay pot and beam construction across the National Health Service estate. NHS organisations are responsible for maintaining their estates and identifying the construction types present in their buildings.

Following the review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and publication of the Plan for Implementation in January 2025, Hampshire Hospitals was placed in Wave 3, with main construction expected to start between 2037 and 2039.

A multi-criteria decision support analysis tool was used to support the prioritisation of schemes. Schemes were assessed on factors such as risk, deliverability, clinical outcomes, cost, and the estate conditions.

As set out in the Plan for Implementation, schemes were prioritised into upper, middle, and lower thirds. Through this analysis, consideration was given to whether the nine schemes that were already proposed to start after 2030 following the May 2023 announcement, including Hampshire Hospitals, were sufficiently high risk to substitute other schemes in upcoming waves of construction.

The output was reviewed with colleagues across the Department, the NHP and NHS England to generate a delivery schedule for the programme that aligned with the NHP’s funding envelope.

The devolution programme has not impacted the NHP.

The five-year cross-Government Suicide Prevention Strategy sets out over 100 actions for the Government and a range of cross-sector delivery partners, to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide, with a delivery date for each action. Officials have recently conducted a stocktake on progress, which identified the majority of actions as being on track. We also continue to coordinate the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group, which monitors the progress, delivery and continued evolution of the strategy.

The five-year cross-Government Suicide Prevention Strategy sets out over 100 actions for the Government and a range of cross-sector delivery partners, to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide, with a delivery date for each action. Officials have recently conducted a stocktake on progress, which identified the majority of actions as being on track. We also continue to coordinate the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group, which monitors the progress, delivery and continued evolution of the strategy.

The Department recognises that continuity of access to epilepsy medication is important for patient safety, and we routinely work with medicine suppliers, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, and supply chain teams to ensure that any disruptions in supplies are resolved as soon as possible.

The Department is currently aware of several supply issues affecting suppliers of medicines used in the management of epilepsy. This includes sodium valproate (Epilim Chronosphere) 50 milligram and 500 milligram MR granule sachets, which are expected to be resolved imminently and in mid-December 2026 respectively; lamotrigine 10 milligram/millilitre oral suspension and phenobarbital 60 milligram tablets, which are due to return to stock in early February 2027 and late April 2027 respectively; and topiramate 100 milligram and 200 milligram tablets, which is expected to be resolved by mid-February 2027.

We have engaged with clinicians and issued comprehensive guidance to the National Health Service on how to manage patients during this time, advising the use of alternative preparations or alternative manufacturers of the same product where appropriate. This guidance, and the latest resupply dates is available to all NHS prescribers on the Specialist Pharmacy Services Medicines Supply Tool website.

The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare genetic conditions and diseases, such as GNB-1.

Through the UK Rare Diseases Framework, we support access to specialist care, treatment, and drugs as a priority. This has included NHS England developing a strategic approach to commissioning advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) to facilitate rapid access to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approved therapies.

We continue to invest in ATMPs through initiatives such as the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. With £17.9 million of new funding via the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), the Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres are driving forward work to enhance the United Kingdom’s environment for ATMP clinical trials and to progress research within the NHS to ensure patients can get safe access to these innovative therapies.

NIHR’s ‘Be Part of Research’ programme allows individuals to see if there is any current research taking place into their conditions, and express their interest in taking part. Further information on NIHR’s ‘Be Part of Research’ is available at the following link:

https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare genetic conditions and diseases, such as GNB-1.

Through the UK Rare Diseases Framework, we support access to specialist care, treatment, and drugs as a priority. This has included NHS England developing a strategic approach to commissioning advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) to facilitate rapid access to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approved therapies.

We continue to invest in ATMPs through initiatives such as the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. With £17.9 million of new funding via the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), the Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres are driving forward work to enhance the United Kingdom’s environment for ATMP clinical trials and to progress research within the NHS to ensure patients can get safe access to these innovative therapies.

NIHR’s ‘Be Part of Research’ programme allows individuals to see if there is any current research taking place into their conditions, and express their interest in taking part. Further information on NIHR’s ‘Be Part of Research’ is available at the following link:

https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

Details of meetings held by ministers and senior officials with external individuals and organisations are published on a quarterly basis in the Department’s transparency data.

Lord Watson wrote to myself and my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 18 September on behalf of Palantir Technologies UK. A response has not yet been sent.

Ahead of winter 2026/27, the National Health Service is working with local systems to maximise bed capacity, improve discharge and bed utilisation, and strengthen alternatives to hospital admission. In October 2026, the Government announced almost £140 million to be invested in 14 urgent care schemes across England, including urgent treatment centres and same day emergency care centre services. These measures aim to make the best use of available capacity and ensure patients receive the right care in the right setting.