Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance has been issued to local authorities on the redeployment of health visitors during the covid-19 outbreak; and whether Public Heath England has taken steps to (a) scrutinise and (b) challenge local decisions on redeployment.

The ‘COVID-19 Prioritisation within Community Health Services’ guidance was published on 19 March and provides advice to National Health Service organisations and to local authorities on the provision of community services at this time.

Decisions regarding redeployment of staff during COVID-19 are for health organisations and local authorities.