Written questions by Alaba.

What steps he is taking to reduce delays in patient hospital discharges in Southend East and Rochford constituency.

As we shift from hospital to community, this government is committed to tackling delayed discharges. It is vital we support the development of local partnership working between the NHS and social care. As part of our new approach to the £9 billion Better Care Fund for 2025 to 2026, all health and wellbeing boards have been required to set new goals for reducing discharge delays.

What steps his Department is taking to improve funding for (a) post-graduates and (b) all other medical students while they are doing mandatory university placements at hospitals.

In the first and fourth years of an undergraduate medical course, and in the first year of a graduate-entry course, domestic students can access support from Student Finance England (SFE). This includes a partially means-tested loan for living costs. In addition, this group of students can apply to SFE for a fully means tested grant for travel to attend a hospital or other premises in the United Kingdom at which facilities for clinical training are provided.During these years, the Education and Training Tariff also provides support for travel and dual accommodation costs incurred as a result of practice placements.From the fifth year of an undergraduate course, and from the second year of a graduate-entry course, medical students can access the NHS Bursary. This is non-repayable and comprises of payment towards tuition fees and, where eligible, further grants and allowances. During practice placements, medical students can also claim reimbursement towards travel and accommodation via the NHS Bursary. Students eligible for the NHS Bursary can also apply for a reduced rate loan for living costs from SFE.Funding arrangements are reviewed annually ahead of the start of each academic year.