Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department have taken to support the NHS to mitigate the impact of (a) flooding and (b) storms on the provision of healthcare.
The National Health Service has well established measures in place to prepare for, and respond to, flooding and storms. The Department for Health and Social Care works closely with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, the Met Office and the Environment Agency to monitor risks from storms and flooding. This information is shared with NHS England to support their planning and response activity.
Prior to flooding or storm events, notice is given through Environment Agency and Met Office warning systems. The Department for Health and Social Care coordinates with NHS England, the Environment Agency, and other cross-Government partners to monitor impacts and coordinate the response.