Every parliamentary written question tabled by Charlotte Cane this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–20 of 47 · Department of Health and Social Care
What assessment his Department has made of making regulations under Section 28 of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 to provide regulatory oversight of the General Medical Council and the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.
Awaiting answer.
What steps he is taking to improve access to NHS dentistry in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.
The responsibility for commissioning primary care dentistry to meet the needs of the local population is delegated to the integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency, this is the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB.1.8 million additional courses of National Health Service dental treatment have been delivered in the seven months between April to October 2025 compared to the corresponding months prior to the general election, nearly half of which were delivered to children. We have reduced the underspend from £392 million in 2023/24 to just £36 million in 2024/25, maximising the treatments provided for taxpayers’ money and delivering on our aim that every penny for NHS dentistry is spent on NHS dentistry.From April 2026, we began introducing a package of reforms to address some of the pressing issues that dentists and dental teams have been experiencing. These reforms will prioritise those with the greatest need, shifting care away from clinically unnecessary check-ups.We are also committed to fundamentally reforming the dental contract, with a focus on matching resources to need, improving access, promoting prevention, and rewarding dentists fairly, while enabling the whole dental team to work to the top of their capability.
What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the dental recruitment incentive scheme on reducing dental practice vacancies in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire Constituency.
The responsibility for commissioning primary care dentistry to meet the needs of the local population is delegated to the integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency, this is the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB.ICBs are continuing to recruit dentists through the Golden Hello scheme. The scheme offers a £20,000 recruitment incentive payment to dentists to work in those areas that need them most. The recruitment of dentists in underserved areas remains a priority and ICBs continue to be able to use the scheme in 2026/27, alongside locally led schemes.Golden Hello data will be published this year and will consist of data showing the regional distribution of the original allocation of posts and the number of posts recruited to at both a national and regional level.
What funding is available to local authorities to improve oral hygiene education in primary schools.
Local authorities in England are responsible for assessing oral health needs and for improving the oral health of their local population. Public health services commissioned by local authorities in England are funded through a ring-fenced Public Health Grant. As part of a multi-year settlement, we will be investing £10.5 million in 2026/27, to enable local authorities to continue to implement the national supervised toothbrushing programme and for other local initiatives that improve education on oral hygiene. Dental health and the benefits of good oral hygiene are also part of statutory guidance on health education for schools in England. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education
What steps his Department is taking to improve children's access to dental care in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.
The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including National Health Service dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency, this is the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB.The Government is committed to ensuring people can access urgent dental care when they need it. Over the past year, ICBs have been commissioning additional urgent dental appointments and there is now an urgent care safety net available in all areas of the country. In the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB, which includes the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency, 25,315 NHS dental treatments were delivered in April to October 2025 compared to the same period before the election. Nationally, 1.8 million more NHS dental treatments were delivered across the same time period. Half of these additional treatments were delivered to children.The 10-Year Health Plan confirms that child dental health is a priority, and we are committed to delivering fundamental reform of the dental contract before the end of this Parliament. In the meantime, we are introducing changes to dental access that will benefit children.From April 2026, we began introducing a package of reforms to address some of the pressing issues that dentists and dental teams have been experiencing. We have introduced a new course of treatment for fluoride varnish for children to be applied by suitably trained dental nurses in between regular check-ups. We have also increased remuneration for dentists for fissure sealants, an effective intervention for children aged seven years old and over, and young people up to 18 years old, to support increased use for primary prevention purposes. These reforms will put patients with greatest need first, incentivising urgent care and complex treatments.Reducing rates of tooth decay is central to our commitment to help children to live healthier lives. Tooth decay is also almost entirely preventable. We are delivering the national targeted supervised toothbrushing programme for up to 600,000 three to five-year-olds in the most deprived areas.
Pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 90532 on Pharmacy: Pollution, what the public health impact is.
While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) undertakes work to understand the health effects of exposure to chemicals, no incidents of pharmaceutical-related water pollution have been reported to the UKHSA. The Environment Agency routinely monitors inland water bodies, and if a chemical pollution incident occurs, the UKHSA may conduct an assessment of any potential public health impact.
Pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 77307, on Cancer: Health Services, how his Department intends to support businesses and organisations based in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency to develop cancer research programmes.
Research is crucial in tackling cancer, which is why the Department invests £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with cancer research as one of the largest areas of spend, at over £141.6 million in 2024/25, signalling its high priority.The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) provides expert support and advice to applied health, public health, and social care researchers on the design and delivery of research and the development of research funding applications. This is a national service and researchers based in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency who are applying to national, open and peer-reviewed research programmes, including all domestic NIHR funding programmes, UK Research Councils, and national health and care charities, can access this support. Further information on the RSS is available at the following link:https://www.nihr.ac.uk/support-and-services/research-support-serviceThe NIHR continues to welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including all cancer types. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition.
What data he holds on cancer (a) diagnosis wait times and (b) treatment commencement wait times in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.
Data on waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment commencement are publicly available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/cancer-waiting-times/The figures are broken down by NHS trust rather than by constituency.The two main NHS trusts in Ely and East Cambridgeshire are the Cambridge University Hospitals Trust and the North West Anglia Trust.
What the average A&E wait time in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency was in each of the last five years.
The Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency has a Type 3 Accident and Emergency (A&E), the Princess of Wales Hospital, in Ely. A&E data is not published at hospital level for this hospital.The Princess of Wales Hospital is part of the NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board (ICB). NHS England publishes performance data by acute trust and ICB and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2025-26/
What the average wait time for a GP appointment was in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency in each of the last five years.
This information is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/appointments-in-general-practiceThe time between booking and the appointment is not a proxy for “waiting times,” as patients may prefer to book routine appointments, for example regular tests or medicine reviews, further in advance.
If he will commission a Neighbourhood Health Centre for Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.
The 10-Year Health Plan sets out our vision for a Neighbourhood Health Service. Neighbourhood health centres will provide easier, more convenient access to a full range of health and care services in each community and on people’s doorsteps, joining up National Health Service, local authority, and voluntary services in one building to help create a holistic offer that meets the needs of local populations.We expect neighbourhood teams and services to be designed in a way that reflects the specific needs of local populations. While the focus on personalised, coordinated care will be consistent, that will mean the service will look different in rural communities, coastal towns, and deprived inner cities.
When his Department plans to respond to Question 77307 on Cancer: Health Services, tabled on 15 September 2025.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 November 2025 to Question 77307.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of pharmaceutical pollution in waterways on public health.
The Environment Agency routinely monitors for a wide range of chemicals as part of their chemical surveillance of inland water bodies. In addition, the UK Health Security Agency assesses the potential public health impact of these.
What assessment he has made of access to dentistry in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.
Data on dentistry is available in the Dental statistics – England 2023/24 dataset, published by the NHS Business Services Authority on 22 August 2024, and available at the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/dental-england/dental-statistics-england-202324The data for the NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board (ICB), which includes Ely and Cambridgeshire, shows that 27% of adults were seen by a National Health Service dentist in the previous 24 months up to June 2025, compared to 40% in England, and that 55% of children were seen by an NHS dentist in the previous 12 months up to June 2025, compared to 57% in England.We have asked ICBs to commission extra urgent dental appointments to make sure that patients with urgent dental needs can get the treatment they require. ICBs have been making extra appointments available from April 2025.ICBs are recruiting posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years.We are committed to reforming the dental contract, with a focus on matching resources to need, improving access, promoting prevention, and rewarding dentists fairly, while enabling the whole dental team to work to the top of their capability. The Government is committed to achieving fundamental contract reform by the end of this Parliament.
What assessment he has made of the accessibility of GP appointments for the digitally excluded in areas with poor signal (a) coverage and (b) capacity.
In February 2025, the General Practitioners Committee England agreed to make it a contractual obligation for all general practices (GPs) to offer access to online services throughout core hours, from 08:00 to 18:30, bringing online access in line with walk-in and phone access. This change is designed to improve patient access and reduce long phone queues for those who wish to continue using the telephone booking system. By ensuring that online booking is available during all core hours, practices can better manage demand and free up phone lines for patients who rely on telephone access. This is making it easier and more convenient for patients to contact their practice at a time that suits them, offering them greater flexibility in their daily lives, benefiting those who may experience poor signal or coverage. The GP contract is also clear that patients should always have the option of telephoning or visiting their practice in person, so those without digital access or in areas with poor signal are not disadvantaged To further improve access and capacity, we have invested £1.1 billion in GPs, £160 million of which is to expand the GP workforce, with 2,500 more GPs having been recruited since October 2024, and £102 million to create more clinical space which will enable the delivery of 8.3 million extra appointments.
Pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2025 to Question 85520 on General Practitioners, what steps he is taking to improve access to GPs for people who are solely reliant on telephone bookings.
To support patients who depend on telephone bookings, recent contractual changes require all general practices to offer online booking throughout core hours, from 08:00 to 18:30. This is designed to ease pressure on phone lines by allowing those who prefer online booking to do so at any time, reducing long phone queues for patients who wish to continue using the telephone system. By better managing demand through expanded online access, practices can free up phone lines and improve the experience for those reliant on telephone bookings. The GP Contract is also clear that patients should always have the option of telephoning or visiting their practice in person so that patients without access to telephone or online services are in no way disadvantaged.
Pursuant to the Answer of 5 November to Question 85518 on General Practitioners: Ely and East Cambridgeshire, if he will commission research to examine the workload of GPs.
The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).There are currently over 200 projects involving general practice being funded by the NIHR and active as of November 2025. An example of research is NIHR168327, which will assess the impact of different models of integrating new or extended roles into primary care. This comparative analysis between Scotland and England will examine the impact of variations in funding, employment models, and deployment of new/extended roles on staff experiences, patient care and experiences, and general practice workload and satisfaction.The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including research about general practice. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality.The review of the Carr-Hill formula is being conducted by National Institute for Health and Care Research. The review has commenced and will draw on a range of evidence and advice from experts, with key stakeholders including the Royal College of General Practitioners involved in the process. Implementation of any new funding approach will be subject to Ministerial decision, in the context of available funding and our commitment to substantively reform the GMS contract within this Parliament.
How his Department measures the (a) accessibility of GPs and (b) GPs' workload.
The General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS) measures patient satisfaction and ease of access to general practice (GP) services. The Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency sits within the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board, where 69% of respondents to the 2025 GPPS reported a good experience of contacting their GP and 74% of respondents reported a good overall experience with their practice.It is challenging to accurately estimate GPs’ workload as much of their work is not reflected in published data, and in addition to delivering appointments, GPs will manage referrals, complete paperwork, and, in the case of GP partners, manage the practice itself.We know that high workloads can be a key driver for GPs reducing their contracted hours or leaving the profession altogether, impacting access to GPs. That’s why we are tackling morale through drivers such as growing the workforce and reducing bureaucracy through our Red Tape Challenge. Expanding capacity in GPs will improve access for patients, as well as alleviating high workloads, by making more appointments available.
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of access to GPs in Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.
The General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS) measures patient satisfaction and ease of access to general practice (GP) services. The Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency sits within the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board, where 69% of respondents to the 2025 GPPS reported a good experience of contacting their GP and 74% of respondents reported a good overall experience with their practice.It is challenging to accurately estimate GPs’ workload as much of their work is not reflected in published data, and in addition to delivering appointments, GPs will manage referrals, complete paperwork, and, in the case of GP partners, manage the practice itself.We know that high workloads can be a key driver for GPs reducing their contracted hours or leaving the profession altogether, impacting access to GPs. That’s why we are tackling morale through drivers such as growing the workforce and reducing bureaucracy through our Red Tape Challenge. Expanding capacity in GPs will improve access for patients, as well as alleviating high workloads, by making more appointments available.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of online GP booking systems on people who are digitally excluded.
Since 1 October, general practices (GP) have been required to keep their online consultations tools on throughout core hours, from 8:00am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday, for non-urgent and routine requests.Patients are able to get in touch with their GP via an online form during these hours to request an appointment or to raise a query.We understand that not all patients can or want to use online services. To ensure that patients are not digitally excluded, the GP Contract is clear that patients should always have the option of telephoning or visiting their practice in person, and all online tools must always be provided in addition to, rather than as a replacement for, other channels for accessing a GP. We have also committed to work with digital transformation teams in integrated care boards and with groups at risk of digital exclusion to ensure digital solutions are inclusive. People unable to access online services, or visit their GP in person, can ask for a feature called proxy access available through the NHS App. This function allows a trusted relative or carer to act on the patient’s behalf and can be set up through the patient’s GP surgery, so that they can help them manage their health and care.