Department of Health and Social Care

As set out in the Plan for Change, we are committed to returning by March 2029 to the National Health Service constitutional standard that 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to consultant-led treatment. As a first step to achieving this, we exceeded our pledge to deliver an extra two million operations, scans and appointments in our first year of government, having delivered 5.2 million more appointments.

We are also committed to transforming diagnostic services and are supporting the NHS to increase diagnostic capacity to bring down the size of the list and reduce waiting times. We know that there is more to do and that is why we have set a national target in the Medium Term Planning Framework. For any key diagnostic test, no more than 14% of patients will wait longer than six weeks as the end of March 2027, with a target for all providers to ensure by March 2029 that 1% or less of patients wait beyond six weeks.

Diagnosis of achalasia usually requires oesophageal manometry, which most large secondary care gastro/endoscopy units can provide. General monthly diagnostic data is accessible at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-data-2025-26/

There is no NHS dataset on a national level that reports waiting times specifically for oesophageal manometry, as this test is not included in NHS England’s DM01 Monthly Diagnostics Waiting Times collection. As a result, no national average or benchmark is published as waiting times can only be obtained at a local level.

The Government recognises the importance of access to therapy for children with neuromuscular disorders like hemiplegia, and that early intervention is shown to be the most effective.

NHS England’s service specification for paediatric neurodisability services outlines that paediatric specialist neurodisability services should be delivered by paediatricians trained in neurodisability and neurology who will be the core deliverers of care. They should have a multidisciplinary team working with them comprised of a paediatric physiotherapist, a paediatric occupational therapist, and a paediatric speech and language therapist, among others.

The Department, through the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, has recently funded a research project with King’s College London on transforming early rehabilitation for children with hemiplegia. The Parents as Partners in Rehabilitation project was designed to enhance support for parents, providing them with the tools and guidance to take an active role in their child’s rehabilitation and giving them the confidence to deliver therapy at home. The project has brought families and clinicians together to co-design a practical, evidence-based guide to support parents partnering with therapists to continue delivering evidence-based intensive upper limb interventions at home, following hands-on learning in the clinic.

The Government recognises the importance of access to therapy for children with neuromuscular disorders like hemiplegia, and that early intervention is shown to be the most effective.

NHS England’s service specification for paediatric neurodisability services outlines that paediatric specialist neurodisability services should be delivered by paediatricians trained in neurodisability and neurology who will be the core deliverers of care. They should have a multidisciplinary team working with them comprised of a paediatric physiotherapist, a paediatric occupational therapist, and a paediatric speech and language therapist, among others.

The Department, through the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, has recently funded a research project with King’s College London on transforming early rehabilitation for children with hemiplegia. The Parents as Partners in Rehabilitation project was designed to enhance support for parents, providing them with the tools and guidance to take an active role in their child’s rehabilitation and giving them the confidence to deliver therapy at home. The project has brought families and clinicians together to co-design a practical, evidence-based guide to support parents partnering with therapists to continue delivering evidence-based intensive upper limb interventions at home, following hands-on learning in the clinic.

The Government introduced legislation in England on 14 November 2024 to mandate the fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid based on strong scientific assessment and modelling. The policy is estimated to prevent approximately 200 babies being born with neural tube defects each year.

Voluntary fortification of other foods with folic acid has existed for many years, mainly in products such as breakfast cereals and the Government has no plans to restrict it.

The fortification level for non-wholemeal flour was set using extensive modelling that accounted for existing voluntary fortification. This work showed that voluntary fortification makes only a small contribution to the number of people exceeding the recommended upper level for folic acid intake. On this basis, introducing limits on voluntary fortification was not considered necessary and would add regulatory complexity for businesses.

The level of folic acid fortification will be kept under review as part of the evaluation of this policy.

Within West Midlands police custody and court settings, Liaison and Diversion Teams, with consent, will assess a young person to identify their needs and vulnerabilities, and will provide information to the police and court to help inform criminal justice decision making. This assessment includes their mental health needs, sharing information with appropriate agencies and liaising with them to ensure the correct support is put in place as they pass through the system.

Should a young person enter prison, the Healthcare Team completes a reception health screen on arrival, before the child or young person’s (CYP) first night and ideally within two hours, using the Comprehensive Health Assessment Tool (CHAT) which is a nationally recognised and reliable tool for use with CYP. The assessment identifies life threatening and immediate health needs, identifies prescribed medication and records visible injuries. Where needs are identified actions are taken and information shared. All CYP will then receive a full secure CHAT assessment, which includes assessment of physical health and mental health within three days. There are clear mental health pathways to manage referrals for the needs identified.

On a monthly basis, commissioners monitor the prison healthcare services in relation to completion of CHATs including percentage of CYP receiving a CHAT reception health screening within two hours of admission and percentage of CYP with a CHAT mental health assessment completed within three days.

The above is all delivered in accordance with national service specifications which set out the service to be delivered and associated timescales.

A decision on whether the National Audit Office will be asked to make an assessment of the 10 Year Workforce Plan has not been made. The plan’s modelling will, however, be subject to external scrutiny. The plan will be published in spring 2026.

As referred to in the answer to HL15722 and HL15723, the redundancy exercise arose from structural reform reducing the number of the integrated care boards (ICBs) from 42 to 26, which resulted in the removal of a number of Chief Executive roles.

Only chief executives whose roles ceased to exist because their ICB was abolished or merged were in scope for compulsory redundancy. In the case of South Yorkshire ICB, the redundancy decision was based solely on the removal of the role as part of restructuring, not on the individual occupying the post. The Department does not hold centrally collated information on local discussions about alternative roles or offers made by individual ICBs, as they operate as statutory and independent employers and such decisions are a matter for local employers, not the Department.

The Government supports the reclassification of prescription only medicines (POMs) to over the counter (OTC) medicines, including for cost savings to the National Health Service, where it is safe and appropriate to do so, as this can improve patient access and support selfcare while maintaining high standards of public health protection.

Decisions on whether POMs can be safely reclassified for OTC sale are taken by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency following an assessment of the safety, quality, and efficacy of the medicine and whether it can be appropriately used without the direct supervision of a prescriber.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for Knowsley on 6 January 2026 to Question 101055.

The Department invests over £1.7 billion per year in research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

We are committed to furthering our investment in brain cancer research and have already taken steps to stimulate scientific progress and build scientific capacity to do research on brain cancer.

In January 2026, the NIHR announced increased investment of over £25 million in the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium. The world-leading consortium aims to transform outcomes for adults and children and their families who are living with brain tumours, ultimately reducing lives lost to cancer.

The NIHR Funding Committee meeting for the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium and associated work packages took place on 14 October 2025. The outcomes of which are made publicly available on the NIHR website. The following table shows the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium funding awards and their decision status:

The Brain Tumour Novel Therapeutics Consortium contract commenced in December 2025. Associated work packages were issued and intent to fund letters sent in December 2025, although this is contingent upon submitting and reviewing detailed costs and, if applicable, agreeing to the suggested amendments and requests for clarification, which are currently in progress.

The NIHR is working to ensure that new investments can get up and running as soon as possible. We are expecting to make further announcements in due course.

A Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decision is made on an individual, on a person by person basis, and should, wherever possible, involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their families, carers, guardians, or other legally recognised advocates. Professional guidance on cardiopulmonary resuscitation is provided by clinical bodies such as the British Medical Association, The Resuscitation Council UK, and Royal College of Nursing, to support consistent decision-making, and reflect these principles.

In 2021, the Department established a Ministerial Oversight Group, responsible for the delivery and required changes to ensure adherence to guidance across the system about how DNACPRs are used. As part of this work, a set of Universal Principles for Advance Care Planning were jointly published in March 2022 by a coalition of partner organisations across health and social care. The principles can be applied in all settings to provide safeguards and support people and their families, and professionals share the same understanding and expectations for DNACPR decisions.

NHS England has also published patient-facing information on DNACPRs and where to get support if they are concerned about a DNACPR. This information can be found at the NHS.UK website.

The Care Quality Commission continues to take action to ensure providers understand their responsibilities if allegations of inappropriate application of DNACPR decisions are brought to their attention, as well as raising cases with the relevant bodies, including the General Medical Council, as appropriate.

A Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decision is made on an individual, on a person by person basis, and should, wherever possible, involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their families, carers, guardians, or other legally recognised advocates. Professional guidance on cardiopulmonary resuscitation is provided by clinical bodies such as the British Medical Association, The Resuscitation Council UK, and Royal College of Nursing, to support consistent decision-making, and reflect these principles.

In 2021, the Department established a Ministerial Oversight Group, responsible for the delivery and required changes to ensure adherence to guidance across the system about how DNACPRs are used. As part of this work, a set of Universal Principles for Advance Care Planning were jointly published in March 2022 by a coalition of partner organisations across health and social care. The principles can be applied in all settings to provide safeguards and support people and their families, and professionals share the same understanding and expectations for DNACPR decisions.

NHS England has also published patient-facing information on DNACPRs and where to get support if they are concerned about a DNACPR. This information can be found at the NHS.UK website.

The Care Quality Commission continues to take action to ensure providers understand their responsibilities if allegations of inappropriate application of DNACPR decisions are brought to their attention, as well as raising cases with the relevant bodies, including the General Medical Council, as appropriate.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for East Grinstead and Uckfield on 13 January 2026 to Question 103809.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for Mid Dunbartonshire on 9 February 2026 to Question 110183.

Resourcing levels and operational demand are kept under ongoing review to ensure the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s Criminal Enforcement Unit remains able to respond effectively to evolving criminal threats. While additional capacity could facilitate additional activity, the unit delivers an effective enforcement response within the resources allocated, applying risk-based prioritisation to ensure the most serious threats to public health are addressed.

Government responsibility for delivering cancer research is shared between the Department for Health and Social Care, with research delivered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The Medical Research Council (MRC), part of UKRI, primarily supports the discovery science and fundamental biological research. NIHR’s research is complementary to the MRC's focus, supporting the translation of discovery science into patient benefit through a range of mechanisms, including direct funding through our research programmes and through funding to underpin and enable research to take place.

UKRI plays a significant role in supporting interdisciplinary cancer research to bring new discoveries closer to patient benefit and commercialisation. UKRI invests in cancer research to understand the underpinning biology of cancer to inform prevention, diagnosis and treatment options, and to support academic and industry-led innovation in new cancer therapeutic discovery, medicines manufacturing, and precision medicine.

More than half of UKRI’s active projects in this area focus on developing and testing more effective treatments for brain tumours, including reducing side effects.

We are committed to furthering our investment in brain cancer research and have already taken steps to stimulate scientific progress and build scientific capacity to do research on brain cancer.

In the five years between 2020/21 and 2024/25, the NIHR has directly invested £10.4 million into research projects and programmes focussed on brain tumours. The NIHR’s wider investments in research infrastructure, including facilities, services, and the research workforce, further allowed leverage of research funding from other donors and organisations. These NIHR investments in infrastructure are estimated to be £32.9 million over the same period.

Over six years, from the financial year 2018/19 to 2023/24, UKRI committed £46.8 million to brain tumour research. In addition, in January 2026 the NIHR announced increased investment of over £25 million in the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium. The world-leading consortium aims to transform outcomes for adults and children and their families who are living with brain tumours, ultimately reducing lives lost to cancer.

We’re also strengthening our partnership with Cancer Research UK, including approximately £3 million to co-fund Brain Tumour Centres of Excellence. This investment will accelerate the move from foundational research to delivering innovative treatments for patients.

The NIHR continues to welcome high quality applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including brain cancer. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to the public and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality.

The Schools White Paper, Every child achieving and thriving, and the consultation on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms have now been published, as of 23 February. The White Paper and the consultation are available, respectively, at the following two links:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-first/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-first-html-version

These documents set out our ambitions to transform outcomes for children, young people, and their families who have been let down for far too long. The Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England have worked closely with the Department for Education on the reforms, and continued close partnership between health, social care, and education will be needed to realise the opportunity created by these crucial reforms.

The Government is currently consulting on proposed updates to the statutory guidance on supporting pupils with medical conditions at school, with further information available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposal-on-support-for-pupils-with-medical-conditions-at-school

The Government will publish non-statutory guidance to clarify the roles and responsibilities of health and education in supporting pupils with medical conditions in education settings. Schools are responsible for managing their resources and budgets. They must comply with their statutory duties, including those under the Equality Act and the duty under section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 to make arrangements for supporting pupils with medical conditions.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have various statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 to work with local authorities, including on: identifying and notifying where a child or young person has potential SEND; joint commissioning; participating in education, health and care assessments and plans; and securing health provision. Reform proposals include the creation of New Specialist Provision Packages for children and young people with complex needs, which set out exactly what support and resources are required for specific needs. These will be developed and reviewed by an Independent Expert Panel with education and health co-chairs, and shaped through testing with parents. For children under five years old with complex needs, we will introduce a fast track for a Specialist Provision Package and Education, Health and Care Plan.

The NHS Medium Term Planning Framework for 2026/27 to 2028/29, published October 2025, included, for the first time, a clear requirement for ICBs and providers to meet their statutory SEND duties and support the Government’s SEND reform plans. The framework is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/medium-term-planning-framework-delivering-change-together-2026-27-to-2028-29.pdf

Each ICB is also required to have an executive lead for children and young people with SEND. ICBs will need to work alongside local authorities to develop Local SEND Reform Plans, which will set out each local area’s approach to implementing SEND reforms, tailored to local context and need. These plans will lay the foundation for long-term reform, set how partners will work together, and enable ongoing monitoring of progress, including introduction of the new Experts at Hand service.

The Schools White Paper, Every child achieving and thriving, and the consultation on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms have now been published, as of 23 February. The White Paper and the consultation are available, respectively, at the following two links:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/every-child-achieving-and-thriving

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-first/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-first-html-version

These documents set out our ambitions to transform outcomes for children, young people, and their families who have been let down for far too long. The Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England have worked closely with the Department for Education on the reforms, and continued close partnership between health, social care, and education will be needed to realise the opportunity created by these crucial reforms.

The Government is currently consulting on proposed updates to the statutory guidance on supporting pupils with medical conditions at school, with further information available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposal-on-support-for-pupils-with-medical-conditions-at-school

The Government will publish non-statutory guidance to clarify the roles and responsibilities of health and education in supporting pupils with medical conditions in education settings. Schools are responsible for managing their resources and budgets. They must comply with their statutory duties, including those under the Equality Act and the duty under section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 to make arrangements for supporting pupils with medical conditions.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have various statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 to work with local authorities, including on: identifying and notifying where a child or young person has potential SEND; joint commissioning; participating in education, health and care assessments and plans; and securing health provision. Reform proposals include the creation of New Specialist Provision Packages for children and young people with complex needs, which set out exactly what support and resources are required for specific needs. These will be developed and reviewed by an Independent Expert Panel with education and health co-chairs, and shaped through testing with parents. For children under five years old with complex needs, we will introduce a fast track for a Specialist Provision Package and Education, Health and Care Plan.

The NHS Medium Term Planning Framework for 2026/27 to 2028/29, published October 2025, included, for the first time, a clear requirement for ICBs and providers to meet their statutory SEND duties and support the Government’s SEND reform plans. The framework is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/medium-term-planning-framework-delivering-change-together-2026-27-to-2028-29.pdf

Each ICB is also required to have an executive lead for children and young people with SEND. ICBs will need to work alongside local authorities to develop Local SEND Reform Plans, which will set out each local area’s approach to implementing SEND reforms, tailored to local context and need. These plans will lay the foundation for long-term reform, set how partners will work together, and enable ongoing monitoring of progress, including introduction of the new Experts at Hand service.

The NHS Business Services Authority collects and publishes prescribing data for primary care in England. NHS England and the Department do not routinely audit data to identify general practice repeat-prescribing of topical corticosteroids that is long-term and high-potency. Responsibility for reviewing repeat prescribing practices sits with individual practices and their commissioners, who are expected to ensure prescribing is safe, appropriate, and in line with relevant clinical guidance.

The ambition set out in the National Cancer Plan for all cancer patients to receive a genomic test within a clinically relevant timeframe reflects the Government’s commitment to expanding access to precision diagnostics that inform treatment decisions.

The NHS Genomic Medicine Service is currently focused on delivering genomic testing in line with the National Genomic Test Directory. As set out in the plan, over the next five years the service will extend circulating tumour DNA and other biomarker testing to additional cancers, subject to evidence of clinical efficacy and value for money.

The scope of testing will continue to be reviewed, and additional biomarker tests, both genomic and non-genomic, will be brought into routine use where clinically appropriate and cost effective.

While the Department has not undertaken a formal evaluation of the National Health Service prescription exemption‑checking system, it has put in place arrangements to balance timely access to medicines with proportionate protection of public funds.

The Prescription Exemption Checking Service, delivered by the NHS Business Services Authority on behalf of the Department and NHS England, operates retrospectively by checking a random sample of prescriptions where an exemption has been claimed, using data held by the NHS Business Services Authority and the Department for Work and Pensions. These checks typically take approximately three months to complete. Where entitlement cannot be confirmed, a staged enquiry process allows individuals to clarify or evidence their eligibility before any penalty is applied.

Alongside this, Real Time Exemption Checking enables exemption status to be verified at the point of dispensing and is now used by approximately 95% of community pharmacies in England. Where an exemption is confirmed in real time, the prescription is automatically flagged as exempt and no retrospective penalty charge can be issued, reducing incorrect charges and follow‑up correspondence. Taken together, these arrangements are intended to ensure exemption checking is fair, proportionate, and effective in protecting NHS resources.

The Lampard Inquiry has published information on its expenditure at the following link:

https://lampardinquiry.org.uk/financial-report/

The National Cancer Plan for England sets out the Government’s commitment to expand and integrate biomarker testing, including blood-based biomarkers known as liquid biopsies and genomic testing, across cancer services to improve treatment selection and outcomes. In particular, the plan commits that every cancer patient who needs a genomic test to guide their treatment will receive one, with the results returned in time to inform clinical decisions. To achieve this, the National Health Service is integrating testing across pathology networks and the Genomic Medicine Service, ensuring that multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) have timely access to test results when determining the best treatment options. Ongoing investments in diagnostic infrastructure, for example, in digital pathology and comprehensive molecular profiling of cancers, will support this integration and enable earlier use of precision medicines in routine pathways. This joined-up approach means that genomic and other biomarker test results will directly inform MDT decision-making and help clinicians match patients to the most effective therapies.

The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs deliver testing as directed by the National Genomic Test Directory (the Test Directory), which includes tests for over 7,000 rare diseases and over 200 cancer clinical indications, including both whole genome sequencing (WGS) and non-WGS testing. The Test Directory outlines the nationally commissioned genomic testing offer, including the eligibility for testing, the test method, and target genes. NHS England, supported by a Genomics Clinical Reference Group and expert Test Evaluation Working Groups, reviews the Test Directory to keep pace with scientific and technological advances, while delivering value for money for the NHS. A robust and evidence based process and policy is in place to routinely review the Test Directory and ensure that genomic testing continues to be available for all patients for whom it would be of clinical benefit.

The National Cancer Plan also confirms that over the next five years, the NHS Genomic Medicine Service will extend ctDNA and other biomarker testing to other cancers beyond lung, colorectal, and breast cancer, subject to efficacy and value for money, further embedding precision diagnostics into routine care.

As part of a new approach to quality in cancer care, the National Cancer Plan introduces the development of new cancer manuals. These manuals will set out national standards for cancer care by tumour type. NHS England is working with clinical experts and stakeholders on the scope of these cancer manuals. Further details on their implementation, including specific guidance on diagnostics and testing, will be set out in due course.

The National Cancer Plan for England sets out the Government’s commitment to expand and integrate biomarker testing, including blood-based biomarkers known as liquid biopsies and genomic testing, across cancer services to improve treatment selection and outcomes. In particular, the plan commits that every cancer patient who needs a genomic test to guide their treatment will receive one, with the results returned in time to inform clinical decisions. To achieve this, the National Health Service is integrating testing across pathology networks and the Genomic Medicine Service, ensuring that multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) have timely access to test results when determining the best treatment options. Ongoing investments in diagnostic infrastructure, for example, in digital pathology and comprehensive molecular profiling of cancers, will support this integration and enable earlier use of precision medicines in routine pathways. This joined-up approach means that genomic and other biomarker test results will directly inform MDT decision-making and help clinicians match patients to the most effective therapies.

The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs deliver testing as directed by the National Genomic Test Directory (the Test Directory), which includes tests for over 7,000 rare diseases and over 200 cancer clinical indications, including both whole genome sequencing (WGS) and non-WGS testing. The Test Directory outlines the nationally commissioned genomic testing offer, including the eligibility for testing, the test method, and target genes. NHS England, supported by a Genomics Clinical Reference Group and expert Test Evaluation Working Groups, reviews the Test Directory to keep pace with scientific and technological advances, while delivering value for money for the NHS. A robust and evidence based process and policy is in place to routinely review the Test Directory and ensure that genomic testing continues to be available for all patients for whom it would be of clinical benefit.

The National Cancer Plan also confirms that over the next five years, the NHS Genomic Medicine Service will extend ctDNA and other biomarker testing to other cancers beyond lung, colorectal, and breast cancer, subject to efficacy and value for money, further embedding precision diagnostics into routine care.

As part of a new approach to quality in cancer care, the National Cancer Plan introduces the development of new cancer manuals. These manuals will set out national standards for cancer care by tumour type. NHS England is working with clinical experts and stakeholders on the scope of these cancer manuals. Further details on their implementation, including specific guidance on diagnostics and testing, will be set out in due course.

All approved abattoirs are subject to the same regulatory framework for food safety and animal welfare controls which are set in assimilated European Union law and are currently prescriptive, and divergence could restrict British access to EU and other markets. Previous discussions with the meat industry on a two-tier system for large and small producers concluded that the risk of damaging relationships with international partners, who insist on the application of these regulations as the basis for trade, was too high.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) applies available flexibilities to small abattoir operators where possible, including reduced Official Veterinarian attendance at certain small abattoirs. The FSA has worked with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs on extending these regulatory flexibilities, however, these discussions are now part of wider negotiations on the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement.

The FSA review of its charging system has identified the importance of the small abattoir sector, and the FSA Board gave direction for the discount system to be focused on this sector.

The Government is committed to giving every child the best start in life. The Department is currently considering options on this issue, and further information will be available in due course.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for coding causes of death using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‑10). This is separate from hospital morbidity coding undertaken within the National Health Service. The response below therefore relates to morbidity coding and applies to cases of attempted suicide and organ failure for patients admitted to hospital alive.

ICD-11 is the International Classification of Diseases for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, Eleventh Revision, and is not yet approved as an Information Standard under section 250 of the Health and Social Care Act, and so ICD‑10 remains the mandated classification for NHS morbidity data.

Under current national coding guidance, all conditions identified in the medical record by the responsible consultant as relevant to the episode of care are coded. Where a clinical link has been established between a psychiatric condition and outcomes such as organ failure or an episode of attempted suicide, each of these conditions is coded in line with this guidance.

The National Medical Examiner produces the Good Practice Series, a topical collection of focused summary documents, designed to be easily read and digested by busy front-line staff, including medical practitioners, with links to further reading, guidance, and support. The collection is published online by the Royal College of Pathologists.

In June 2022, the National Medical Examiner’s Good Practice Series No. 7 - Mental health and eating disorders was published, and a copy is attached. The paper explores the role medical examiners can play in identifying links between mental health disorders and causes of death, notifying others when lessons can be learned so that care of future patients with mental health conditions is improved, and ensuring medical certificates of cause of death are completed appropriately.

Genomic testing in the National Health Service plays an important role in diagnosing and managing inherited cardiovascular conditions. The National Genomic Test Directory (NGTD) outlines eligibility criteria for genomic testing, including for conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia, cardiomyopathies, Long QT syndrome, and Brugada syndrome. The NGTD is reviewed annually, with input from expert groups, to ensure it reflects the latest scientific advances and delivers value for money.

Seven NHS Genomic Medicine Service Alliances improve access to genomic testing, including for cardiovascular conditions, through the systematic embedding of genomics in end-to-end clinical pathways and clinical specialities, as well as improving clinicians’ awareness of genomic testing services available for patients.

The 10-Year Health Plan committed to creating a genomics population health service by the end of the decade. This will support earlier detection of inherited causes of major diseases and begin integrating genomic insights into cardiovascular disease prevention and care, including through a service evaluation with Our Future Health on Integrated Risk Scores and through neighbourhood health teams to increase equitable uptake of genomic testing.

Neighbourhood health services will bring together integrated neighbourhood teams of professionals and partners closer to people’s home. Tens of thousands of patients in England will benefit from improved healthcare on their doorstep, as the Government rolls out the first 27 neighbourhood health centres, bringing more services into the community.

The 10-Year Health Plan committed to training thousands more general practices (GPs). Thanks to actions taken by the Government, we have the highest number of fully qualified GPs since 2015, and steps are being taken to grow the GP workforce further. We have expanded GP training places by 250, taking the total number of available places to 4,250 for 2025/26, and we plan to expand this again for 2026/27.

The Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan to set out action to create a workforce ready to deliver the transformed service set out in the 10-Year Health Plan in Spring 2026.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning primary care services, including National Health Service dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population. Therefore, responses to these questions should be requested directly from the North East and North Cumbria ICB.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning primary care services, including National Health Service dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population. Therefore, responses to these questions should be requested directly from the North East and North Cumbria ICB.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning primary care services, including National Health Service dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population. Therefore, responses to these questions should be requested directly from the North East and North Cumbria ICB.

Baroness Amos has advised that the independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation will publish its final report and recommendations in June 2026.

The Government has launched a new National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The taskforce will address the recommendations of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation by developing a new national action plan. This action plan will set out the Government’s strategic approach to driving improvements across maternity and neonatal care.

The taskforce will hold the system to account for implementing the plan, improving outcomes and experiences, and reducing inequalities for women, babies and families.

We want to end the cycle of recommendations that do not deliver the change that we know is needed.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) advises ministers and the National Health Service in the four countries of the United Kingdom about all aspects of screening. The implementation of any UK NSC screening recommendation is a devolved matter.

Officials from the devolved governments are observers at all UK NSC meetings, and the Department’s screening policy officials hold monthly catch-up meetings with their counterparts in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Sharing planning and development work across the four countries enables working in parallel where there is a shared desire to do so.

As I set out in the debate on Type 1 Diabetes: Infant Testing in response to petition 728677 on Monday 9 March 2026, the Government is committed to supporting people with type 1 diabetes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recently updated the clinical guidelines on type 1 diabetes in children and young people, which is available at the following link:

http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng18

This sets out that children and young people without a known diagnosis of diabetes can also present with diabetic ketoacidosis which requires urgent diagnosis and management. This includes the measurement of capillary blood glucose, which is usually undertaken through a finger-prick test.

The National Cancer Plan, published on 4 February 2026, sets out several commitments and ambitions, to be delivered within the next 10 years. We will implement the Rare Cancers Act, which received Royal Assent on 5 March 2026, including by designating a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) National Specialty Lead for Rare Cancers by summer 2026. This person will be based in the NIHR Research Delivery Network and will support research delivery for rare cancers research. A job specification for the role is under development.

The role of the reformed National Cancer Board will be to support and monitor the delivery of the commitments and ambitions and provide regular updates to ministers. The board will be co-chaired by the Director General for Planned Care in the Department and an independent representative. In addition, several national leads will sit on the board, including a clinical lead for rare cancers. The national leads will oversee delivery of the plan and advise ministers directly and independently on what action should be taken to improve outcomes.

It is important to choose the most suitable appointment process for selecting an independent representative to co-chair the board and to the national lead roles. Officials from NHS England and the Department are carefully following the required public appointments procedures including creating job specifications.

In the recently published National Cancer Plan, we set out our commitment to meet all three cancer waiting time standards to ensure that all cancer patients, including those in the East Midlands, have timely access to high quality diagnostic and treatment services.

Our commitment to meeting the cancer waiting time standards will be supported by a £6 billion capital investment into diagnostics which will increase capacity, boost productivity, and streamline diagnostic pathways. This vital investment will modernise diagnostic services and reduce the time between initial diagnosis and starting treatment.

The plan also lays out how we will increase productivity and harness innovation to make systems more efficient and effective. We will utilise new tools such as artificial intelligence and liquid biopsy testing to speed up diagnosis and treatment decisions, strengthen the cancer workforce, improve turnaround times in histopathology, and give targeted support to the most challenged trusts.

Savings on integrated care board (ICB) spending on back-office costs will be reinvested into patient care, including cancer care, which will remain the primary focus of ICB funding and investment. National Health Service regions and Cancer Alliances will jointly identify underperforming trusts and provide intensive support including leadership intervention, peer‑to‑peer mentoring, seconding senior managers from stronger trusts, and access to £200 million of ring‑fenced cancer funding in 2026/27 to improve cancer pathway performance and reduce delays.

NHS England currently funds a national service for children aged 13 years old and over who are experiencing gambling-related harms. This service is provided by the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, and is available to children across England. The core treatment offer of this service includes cognitive behavioural therapy, delivered either individually or in age-appropriate groups, and family therapy. NHS England plans to design and begin an evaluation of this service in 2026/27, which will ultimately inform the longer-term commissioning approach.

The Government is committed to improving the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia. Work is underway to support an increase in the use of the Advice and Refer/Single Point of Access model, which can in turn improve waiting times for all gastro patients, including those with achalasia or suspected achalasia.

More broadly, the Neighbourhood Health Framework has now been published, and will enable a more joined-up approach that delivers more preventative, local, personalised, and digitally enabled care for everyone, including for people living with achalasia. Central to the plans are neighbourhood health centres, which will bring more care closer to where people live. This is supported by the NHS App, which will become a health companion that makes it easier for patients to access the National Health Service. It will give patients a seamless experience across their health journey.

In the 10-Year Health Plan, the Government has committed to consult on raising the upper alcohol limit for drinks labelled as alcohol-free to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) from 0.05% ABV, which would bring the labelling guidance for no and low alcohol drink alternatives for England into alignment with international standards and several EU countries.

Departmental officials are progressing work to take forward this commitment, and we will update stakeholders in due course.

Alongside the plan, a large multi-year National Institute for Health and Care Research study is underway to examine the public health impacts of NoLo products, and we look forward to the findings the study being available later this year.

The links between material deprivation and poorer mental and physical health are well recognised. As highlighted by the campaign ‘End Furniture Poverty’, furniture can be one of the most expensive items people can purchase, and living without essential items can have an impact on health.

We know everyday life poses greater health risks to the most disadvantaged in society, and that the current model of healthcare works least well for those who already experience disadvantage and are far more likely to have complex needs. This is why the 10-Year Health Plan for the National Health Service in England sets out a reimagined service designed to tackle inequalities in both access and outcomes.

The Department of Health and Social Care is also working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on housing quality and homelessness issues, including the new Decent Homes Standard and implementation of Awaab’s Law to improve the quality of rented homes.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has invested in the Household Support Fund to enable local authorities in England to provide discretionary support to vulnerable households in the most need with the cost of essentials. People in need may be able to get help for essential furniture from their local council through the Household Support Fund and other services available locally.

While NHS England collects information on the current level of midwife vacancies from National Health Service provider trusts, this information has not been centrally validated.

The Department does not hold a centrally collated breakdown of individual integrated care board (ICB) chief executive officer cases who were subject to compulsory redundancy, as such matters sit with ICBs as independent statutory employers.

This was a structural redundancy exercise, arising directly from the reduction in the number of ICBs from 42 to 26 under system reform. Only chief executive officers whose roles ceased to exist because their ICB was abolished or merged were in scope for compulsory redundancy in line with their contractual terms and conditions of service. Chief executives of ICBs that continued as standalone organisations were not included in the redundancy group.