Every parliamentary written question tabled by Bob Blackman this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–20 of 101 · Department of Health and Social Care
Pursuant to the answer of 29 April to Question 129461, if he will outline (a) on what basis areas will be determined as having the highest health need; (b) a timeline for when the Choice Charter will be release; and (c) what the consultation process is for the development of the Charter.
Awaiting answer.
What steps he is taking to increase the proportion of patients being offered a choice of providers upon referral.
Patients have a legal right to choose where they go for their first appointment when referred to consultant-led care as an outpatient. The NHS Constitution for England and the NHS Standing Rules Regulations set out patients' legal rights to make choices about their healthcare. To support integrated care boards to understand and meet their obligations, NHS England published the Patient Choice Guidance in December 2023, which is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/patient-choice-guidance/The Government is committed to giving patients greater control and choice over their care, across constituencies. The Elective Reform Plan, published January 2025, sets out plans to improve patient choice, empowering people to take control of their health by making the NHS App and ‘Manage Your Referral’ website the default route for patients to choose their provider. To enable patients to make an informed choice, we are improving the information available to them, such as waiting times. The 10-Year Health Plan committed to a new ‘Choice Charter’, that will be rolled out progressively in areas of highest health need. The Choice Charter states five ‘mechanisms’ that sit within it, one of which is the commitment to the right to choose in electives.No assessment has been made of the impact in Harrow East constituency.
What steps he is taking to ensure that the merger of NHS England with his Department does not affect patients' right to choose healthcare providers.
Patients have a legal right to choose where they go for their first appointment when referred to consultant-led care as an outpatient. The NHS Constitution for England sets out patients' legal rights to make choices about their healthcare and the merger of NHS England with the Department of Health and Social Care will not affect these rights.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, is committed to empowering patients by giving them greater choice and control, in a National Health Service that is increasingly receptive and responsive to patient preference, voice, and choice. The 10-Year Health Plan sets out our ongoing commitment to patient choice, including by implementing a new patient Choice Charter to empower patients to be more involved in their own care and the NHS to be more patient-centred through mechanisms such as enhanced use of the NHS App, expanded self-referral options, meaningful choice of providers for elective treatments, funding models that reflect patient feedback, and expansion of personal health budgets.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of ensuring a choice of NHS provider is offered upon referral on patients in Harrow East constituency.
Patients have a legal right to choose where they go for their first appointment when referred to consultant-led care as an outpatient. The NHS Constitution for England and the NHS Standing Rules Regulations set out patients' legal rights to make choices about their healthcare. To support integrated care boards to understand and meet their obligations, NHS England published the Patient Choice Guidance in December 2023, which is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/patient-choice-guidance/The Government is committed to giving patients greater control and choice over their care, across constituencies. The Elective Reform Plan, published January 2025, sets out plans to improve patient choice, empowering people to take control of their health by making the NHS App and ‘Manage Your Referral’ website the default route for patients to choose their provider. To enable patients to make an informed choice, we are improving the information available to them, such as waiting times. The 10-Year Health Plan committed to a new ‘Choice Charter’, that will be rolled out progressively in areas of highest health need. The Choice Charter states five ‘mechanisms’ that sit within it, one of which is the commitment to the right to choose in electives.No assessment has been made of the impact in Harrow East constituency.
If his Department will commission a funded community pharmacy lipid service pathway.
Awaiting answer.
Whether community pharmacists were consulted prior to the publication of the Cardiovascular Disease Modern Framework Service.
Awaiting answer.
Whether any community pharmacists assisted his Department in co-producing the Cardiovascular Disease Modern Framework.
Awaiting answer.
Whether community pharmacy will play a role in CVD prevention and case finding as part of the Cardiovascular Disease Modern Framework.
Awaiting answer.
Whether any community pharmacists were consulted prior to the publication of the new Cardiovascular Disease Modern Framework Service.
Community pharmacy already plays an important role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention through the hypertension case finding service which offers free, walk-in blood pressure checks to over 40 year olds. Since October 2021, 40 pharmacies have delivered nearly 4.2 million blood pressure and ambulatory monitoring checks.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, community pharmacies will have a vital role in the Neighbourhood Health Service, working closely with other primary care providers at a neighbourhood level and delivering more clinical services. NHS England continues to keep the clinical scope of pharmacy services under review. On Wednesday 25 February, the Department began the 2026/27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework consultation with Community Pharmacy England, to consider any proposed changes to the reimbursement and remuneration of pharmacy contractors in 2026/27. This includes reimbursement and remuneration for any current or proposed clinical services. To support the Government’s ambition to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% within a decade, we will publish a new cardiovascular disease Modern Service Framework (CVD MSF) this spring.The Department and NHS England are engaging widely with stakeholders to co-produce the CVD MSF, ensuring that experts, people, and communities are at the heart of its development, and this has included engagement with the pharmacy sector.The CVD MSF will focus on the interventions that will have the greatest impact on reducing premature mortality from heart disease and stroke, whilst supporting consistent, high quality and equitable care across the CVD pathway.
If any community pharmacists assisted his Department in co-producing the upcoming Cardiovascular Disease Modern Framework.
Community pharmacy already plays an important role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention through the hypertension case finding service which offers free, walk-in blood pressure checks to over 40 year olds. Since October 2021, 40 pharmacies have delivered nearly 4.2 million blood pressure and ambulatory monitoring checks.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, community pharmacies will have a vital role in the Neighbourhood Health Service, working closely with other primary care providers at a neighbourhood level and delivering more clinical services. NHS England continues to keep the clinical scope of pharmacy services under review. On Wednesday 25 February, the Department began the 2026/27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework consultation with Community Pharmacy England, to consider any proposed changes to the reimbursement and remuneration of pharmacy contractors in 2026/27. This includes reimbursement and remuneration for any current or proposed clinical services. To support the Government’s ambition to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% within a decade, we will publish a new cardiovascular disease Modern Service Framework (CVD MSF) this spring.The Department and NHS England are engaging widely with stakeholders to co-produce the CVD MSF, ensuring that experts, people, and communities are at the heart of its development, and this has included engagement with the pharmacy sector.The CVD MSF will focus on the interventions that will have the greatest impact on reducing premature mortality from heart disease and stroke, whilst supporting consistent, high quality and equitable care across the CVD pathway.
If community pharmacy will play a role in cardiovascular disease prevention and case finding as part of the upcoming Cardiovascular Disease Modern Framework.
Community pharmacy already plays an important role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention through the hypertension case finding service which offers free, walk-in blood pressure checks to over 40 year olds. Since October 2021, 40 pharmacies have delivered nearly 4.2 million blood pressure and ambulatory monitoring checks.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, community pharmacies will have a vital role in the Neighbourhood Health Service, working closely with other primary care providers at a neighbourhood level and delivering more clinical services. NHS England continues to keep the clinical scope of pharmacy services under review. On Wednesday 25 February, the Department began the 2026/27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework consultation with Community Pharmacy England, to consider any proposed changes to the reimbursement and remuneration of pharmacy contractors in 2026/27. This includes reimbursement and remuneration for any current or proposed clinical services. To support the Government’s ambition to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% within a decade, we will publish a new cardiovascular disease Modern Service Framework (CVD MSF) this spring.The Department and NHS England are engaging widely with stakeholders to co-produce the CVD MSF, ensuring that experts, people, and communities are at the heart of its development, and this has included engagement with the pharmacy sector.The CVD MSF will focus on the interventions that will have the greatest impact on reducing premature mortality from heart disease and stroke, whilst supporting consistent, high quality and equitable care across the CVD pathway.
If his Department will consider commissioning a funded community pharmacy lipid service pathway.
Community pharmacy already plays an important role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention through the hypertension case finding service which offers free, walk-in blood pressure checks to over 40 year olds. Since October 2021, 40 pharmacies have delivered nearly 4.2 million blood pressure and ambulatory monitoring checks.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, community pharmacies will have a vital role in the Neighbourhood Health Service, working closely with other primary care providers at a neighbourhood level and delivering more clinical services. NHS England continues to keep the clinical scope of pharmacy services under review. On Wednesday 25 February, the Department began the 2026/27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework consultation with Community Pharmacy England, to consider any proposed changes to the reimbursement and remuneration of pharmacy contractors in 2026/27. This includes reimbursement and remuneration for any current or proposed clinical services. To support the Government’s ambition to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by 25% within a decade, we will publish a new cardiovascular disease Modern Service Framework (CVD MSF) this spring.The Department and NHS England are engaging widely with stakeholders to co-produce the CVD MSF, ensuring that experts, people, and communities are at the heart of its development, and this has included engagement with the pharmacy sector.The CVD MSF will focus on the interventions that will have the greatest impact on reducing premature mortality from heart disease and stroke, whilst supporting consistent, high quality and equitable care across the CVD pathway.
If he will make it his policy to set a target for reducing smoking among people living in social housing.
The Government is committed to delivering a smoke-free United Kingdom where no one is left behind. We are supporting current smokers to quit, particularly amongst priority groups such as those living in social housing, where smoking prevalence remains higher. We are investing an additional £260 million over three years, from 2026/27 to 2028/29, in local Stop Smoking Services through the Public Health Grant, meaning at least £153 million per year will be ringfenced for these services.As part of the conditions of the Public Health Grant, local authorities are expected to meet a minimum standard of delivery by aiming to support at least 5% of their local smoking population to quit, ensuring effective reach across priority groups, including people living in social housing.
If he will make it his policy to support smokers who live in social housing to quit.
The Government is committed to delivering a smoke-free United Kingdom where no one is left behind. We are supporting current smokers to quit, particularly amongst priority groups such as those living in social housing, where smoking prevalence remains higher. We are investing an additional £260 million over three years, from 2026/27 to 2028/29, in local Stop Smoking Services through the Public Health Grant, meaning at least £153 million per year will be ringfenced for these services.As part of the conditions of the Public Health Grant, local authorities are expected to meet a minimum standard of delivery by aiming to support at least 5% of their local smoking population to quit, ensuring effective reach across priority groups, including people living in social housing.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure that any risk management decision on ashwagandha food supplements is proportionate to the available evidence and preserves consumer access to a herb with thousands of years of documented safe use.
The Department has not assessed the economic impact on United Kingdom businesses of any restriction or ban on ashwagandha for use in food supplements. Legislation on the addition of vitamins and minerals and of certain other substances to foods sets out the legal framework for the use of substances such as ashwagandha in food supplements, with further information available at the following link:https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02006R1925-20190515Scientific assessments of food safety risks are carried out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA has asked its expert committee, the Committee on Toxicity (COT), to assess the available scientific evidence on the safety of food supplements containing ashwagandha. This work is ongoing and focuses on potential risks to human health. It is outside the remit of COT to look at economic impact.A subsequent risk management decision would be informed by this scientific evidence and would consider actions that are proportionate and necessary to protect public health. This would be a matter for the Department and the devolved administrations to consider together once that scientific advice is available.
Pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 85312 on Chemicals: Health and Wildlife, when the UK Health Security Agency plans to publish biomonitoring data on the exposure of UK citizens to flame retardants.
As a result of the Human Biomonitoring for Europe work carried out by the UK Health Security Agency in collaboration with Imperial College London, a human biomonitoring module was implemented into the NHS Health Survey for England 2022-2023 programme. Samples collected in this study are currently being analysed to ascertain exposure within England to a number of priority substances.Data on background levels of flame retardants in the population samples are expected to be published in Autumn 2026.
What assessment his Department has made of the economic impact on UK businesses of any restriction or ban on ashwagandha food supplements; and whether that impact has been considered as part of the Food Standards Agency's risk management process.
The Department has not assessed the economic impact on United Kingdom businesses of any restriction or ban on ashwagandha for use in food supplements. Legislation on the addition of vitamins and minerals and of certain other substances to foods sets out the legal framework for the use of substances such as ashwagandha in food supplements, with further information available at the following link:https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02006R1925-20190515Scientific assessments of food safety risks are carried out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA has asked its expert committee, the Committee on Toxicity (COT), to assess the available scientific evidence on the safety of food supplements containing ashwagandha. This work is ongoing and focuses on potential risks to human health. It is outside the remit of COT to look at economic impact.A subsequent risk management decision would be informed by this scientific evidence and would consider actions that are proportionate and necessary to protect public health. This would be a matter for the Department and the devolved administrations to consider together once that scientific advice is available.
What steps his Department is taking to improve rates of bowel cancer diagnosis through screening.
Too many people are still suffering and dying from bowel cancer. We have already taken steps to address this, including expanding the eligible age range for screening so it is now available from age 50 to 74.And, from this year, we are improving the sensitivity of the screening test. By 2028, each year over 600 more cancers will be detected and 2000 cancers prevented by identifying and removing pre-cancerous polyps.While uptake of bowel cancer screening has increased, we know that some groups struggle with barriers to engagement, leaving them at risk. We are providing £200m funding for Cancer Alliances, to reduce inequalities in communities among groups where screening uptake is lower.To further increase coverage, NHS England:is delivering new approaches to communicating with people about screening through the NHS App;is incorporating the reasonable adjustment flag into screening to ensure people get information in the way they want and adjustments are made to support people at appointments;has recently updated the bowel cancer screening leaflets and are updating the bowel cancer screening letters to improve accessibility;and has made the bowel cancer screening FIT kit more accessible for people who are blind or partially sighted.
What steps his Department is taking to improve the recognition, diagnosis and management of migraine in primary care.
The Government recognises that migraine is a serious and often debilitating neurological condition, with a wide range of symptoms that go far beyond a headache. Migraine attacks can be a whole-body experience that can make it difficult to function normally.The Royal College of General Practitioners has developed two e-learning modules on migraine and cluster headaches, which aim to raise awareness amongst primary care clinicians about the different types of migraine and their associated symptoms, and how to differentiate.The Getting It Right First Time programme for Neurology published a National Speciality Report, which makes several recommendations in relation to improving recognition and diagnosis of migraine by general practitioners. Additionally, the RightCare Headache and Migraine Toolkit sets out key priorities for improving care for patients with migraine, which includes correct identification and diagnosis of headache disorders.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline, Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management, sets out best practice for healthcare professionals in the care, treatment, and support of people who suffer from headaches, including migraine. It aims to improve the recognition and management of headaches and migraine.
What assessment he has made of whether migraine is a serious neurological long-term condition.
The Government recognises that migraine is a serious and often debilitating neurological condition, with a wide range of symptoms that go far beyond a headache. Migraine attacks can be a whole-body experience that can make it difficult to function normally.The Royal College of General Practitioners has developed two e-learning modules on migraine and cluster headaches, which aim to raise awareness amongst primary care clinicians about the different types of migraine and their associated symptoms, and how to differentiate.The Getting It Right First Time programme for Neurology published a National Speciality Report, which makes several recommendations in relation to improving recognition and diagnosis of migraine by general practitioners. Additionally, the RightCare Headache and Migraine Toolkit sets out key priorities for improving care for patients with migraine, which includes correct identification and diagnosis of headache disorders.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline, Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management, sets out best practice for healthcare professionals in the care, treatment, and support of people who suffer from headaches, including migraine. It aims to improve the recognition and management of headaches and migraine.