Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans for his Department’s upcoming Women’s Health Strategy to contain specific action to (a) support women affected by HIV and (b) reduce new HIV diagnoses among women.
Answered by Jo Churchill - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
As part of the Government’s commitment to reaching zero new HIV transmissions in England by 2030, the department is currently developing a Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy and an HIV Action Plan, planned for publication later this year. Issues related to reducing HIV diagnoses of and improving care for women affected by HIV will be considered as part of the development of these publications, rather than the Women’s Health Strategy.
Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will review Government guidance on exemptions to covid-19 hotel quarantine rules for people (a) in exceptional circumstances and (b) on compassionate grounds.
Answered by Jo Churchill - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Government has currently contracted hotels across the United Kingdom where people can undertake their mandatory quarantine. These facilities are staffed to help people serving quarantine, including assisting with any exemption requests.
Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will review Government guidance on exemptions to covid-19 hotel quarantine rules for people (a) in exceptional circumstances and (b) on compassionate grounds.
Answered by Jo Churchill - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.
Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Government plans to review the list of conditions for exemption from prescription charges; and he will make an assessment of the potential merits of including (a) cystic fibrosis and (b) other life-long medical conditions in that list.
Answered by Jo Churchill - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Government has no plans to review or extend the prescription charge medical exemptions list. Approximately 89% of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge and extensive arrangements are already in place to help people, including those with cystic fibrosis and other life-long medical conditions. To support those with the greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption, they can spread the cost of their prescriptions by purchasing prescription pre-payment certificates. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just over £2 per week.
Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to ensure that people who are digitally excluded are included in the covid-19 vaccination programme.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
There should be no case where a patient would only be offered an invitation via digital means, or where the only way to book would be online. Invitations for the vaccines are currently being issued in a number of ways. The National Booking Service is primarily sending invitation letters to people’s registered addresses. These letters, sent in size 16 font as standard as defined by RNIB as large print, give the option of booking online, or by the free 119 phone line. This phone line includes BSL and text relay services. Others can make an appointment on behalf of individuals who are not able to make it themselves. Follow up phone calls and letters are made to those who have been sent an initial letter but not responded.
Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he will take to tackle covid-19 vaccine hesitancy amongst care home staff in England.
Answered by Nadhim Zahawi
The Department has built a library of material to support trusted conversations and provide information to employers that is accessible and relevant to social care workers, including those who work in care homes. These resources focus on tackling hesitancy, misinformation, and include content relevant to black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and cover specific topics such as fertility and vaccine ingredients.
Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether someone will be legally permitted to travel abroad to get married under covid restrictions on 1 May 2021.
Answered by Nadine Dorries
As set out in the roadmap published on 22 February, the Government has a clear plan for removing the current restrictions based on the data, rather than dates. For that reason, it is not possible to say definitively what the set of restrictions on 1 May will be.
Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether a person may (a) form a support bubble with someone who is living abroad and (b) travel to visit them during the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Nadine Dorries
Under the current restrictions, people may only leave their home and travel for limited reasons permitted in law, including to visit a support bubble. If someone does need to travel abroad for a permitted reason, they must check the restrictions in place at their destination and ensure they are complying with the relevant law and guidance. They should also adhere to any quarantine rules that apply on their return to England. It is not advised that people form a support bubble with someone who is living abroad.
Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department has issued for people who are living with and caring for someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable.
Answered by Jo Churchill - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Guidance about living in a household with someone who is considered clinically extremely vulnerable is available at the following link:
Asked by: Kerry McCarthy (Labour - Bristol East)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure people affected by dementia are offered rehabilitation support after the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Helen Whately - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
NHS England and NHS Improvement have made guidance and resources available to address the rehabilitation needs of people living with dementia who are recovering from COVID-19 infection.
The NHS Long Term Plan also commits to the expansion of the Enhanced Health in Care Homes service model and to further expand the Comprehensive Model of Personalised Care, with a focus on enhancing access to social prescribing for people with dementia and their carers. These initiatives will support people living with dementia in care homes and in the community, whose condition may have deteriorated during this time.