Written questions by Coghlan.

If he will (a) review (i) diagnostic and (ii) treatment practices for people with chronic urinary tract infections and (b) take steps to improve conditions for people with such infections.

NHS England published Excellence in Continence Care on 23 July 2018, bringing together evidence-based resources and research for guidance for commissioners, providers, and health and social care staff. This guidance covers both urinary and bowel, also known as faecal, incontinence, and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/excellence-in-continence-care/NHS England will consider the next steps for Excellence in Continence Care.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of waiting until the publication of the final Module 3 Covid-19 Inquiry report to (a) recognise the role of airborne transmission of SARS-Cov-2 and (b) update (i) Infection Prevention Controls guidance in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual and (ii) Health Technical Memoranda guidelines to limit airborne transmission of (A) Covid-19 and (B) other respiratory viruses on (1) health workers and (2) patients.

NHS England maintains efforts to evaluate potential revisions to the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM), which aim to maintain high infection, prevention, and control standards. Any updates will ensure consistent application across healthcare settings. Current guidance balances scientific evidence, operational feasibility, and sustainable infection, prevention, and control practices to protect healthcare workers and patients.Delaying NIPCM updates until the final Module 3 COVID-19 inquiry report risks greater exposure to infection, slower practice improvements, and training gaps. Timely updates, based on emerging evidence, strengthen healthcare worker and patient safety through evidence-based, locally adapted measures.The updated acute respiratory virus guidance, published in March 2024, advises adult social care providers on precautions for preventing respiratory infection transmission, addressing masks, ventilation, and other measures based on current evidence. The acute respiratory virus guidance is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infection-prevention-and-control-in-adult-social-care-acute-respiratory-infection/infection-prevention-and-control-ipc-in-adult-social-care-acute-respiratory-infection-ari

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of revising the Infection Prevention Controls guidance in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual and Health Technical Memoranda guidelines prior to 1 March 2025 to ensure (a) recognition of the role of airborne transmission of SARS-Cov-2 and (b) appropriate guidance on (i) the use of FFP3 masks, (ii) improved standards of ventilation and air filter devices in (A) clinical and (B) non-clinical healthcare settings and (iii) other measures to limit airborne transmission of (1) Covid-19 and (2) other respiratory viruses; and if he will take steps to ensure the distribution of those guidelines to all employers and providers of healthcare workers.

The emerging evidence on airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses is continually reviewed by the UK Health Security Agency, NHS England, and the Department. Assessment of research on aerosol behaviour, Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs), and personal protective equipment, including FFP3 masks, ensures that the guidance reflects the latest science and best practice.The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual offers practical guidance on respiratory transmission, including airborne pathways, with non-pathogen-specific standards providing a robust framework for diverse infection, prevention, and control challenges.The updated acute respiratory virus guidance, published in March 2024, advises adult social care providers on precautions for preventing respiratory infection transmission, addressing masks, ventilation, and other measures based on current evidence. The acute respiratory virus guidance is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infection-prevention-and-control-in-adult-social-care-acute-respiratory-infection/infection-prevention-and-control-ipc-in-adult-social-care-acute-respiratory-infection-ari

What steps his Department has taken to ensure blood specimens taken for prostate specific antigen tests are separated within 16 hours.

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing volumes and the time taken for blood specimens to reach the laboratory for separation, including those within 16 hours, is not currently monitored by NHS England.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that serum samples for PSA testing should be received by the laboratory within 16 hours. Pathology services are expected to implement this NICE recommendation.All pathology services in England, including prostate specific antigen tests, are also expected to maintain international standards for laboratory quality, certified through UK Accreditation Service (UKAS).

How many and what proportion of blood specimens taken for prostate specific antigen tests are separated within 16 hours.

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing volumes and the time taken for blood specimens to reach the laboratory for separation, including those within 16 hours, is not currently monitored by NHS England.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that serum samples for PSA testing should be received by the laboratory within 16 hours. Pathology services are expected to implement this NICE recommendation.All pathology services in England, including prostate specific antigen tests, are also expected to maintain international standards for laboratory quality, certified through UK Accreditation Service (UKAS).