Written questions by Vince.

What progress his Department has made on the relocation of the UK Health Security Agency.

The Government is conscious of the need for a decision on the future site of the UK Health Security Agency’s high-containment facilities, to ensure the nation’s health is protected long-term. The Government is currently deciding which location is best suited, and a site in Harlow is one of the options being considered. This decision will be taken as part of the ongoing Spending Review process, which is due to conclude on 11 June.

What funding had been allocated for the (a) new Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow scheme and (b) New Hospital Programme by 2 July 2024.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves the review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £11.4 million. The breakdown of how much the trust received for their new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023The trust is currently developing their Outline Business Case for the new Princess Alexandra Hospital, and are at Royal Institute of British Architects Stage 2.

What the (a) business case status and (b) RIBA stage is of the new Princess Alexandra Hospital scheme.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves the review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £11.4 million. The breakdown of how much the trust received for their new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023The trust is currently developing their Outline Business Case for the new Princess Alexandra Hospital, and are at Royal Institute of British Architects Stage 2.

How much funding the new Princess Alexandra Hospital scheme has received up to the end of the 2023/24 financial year.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves the review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £11.4 million. The breakdown of how much the trust received for their new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023The trust is currently developing their Outline Business Case for the new Princess Alexandra Hospital, and are at Royal Institute of British Architects Stage 2.

What estimate his Department has made of the cost of the new Princess Alexandra Hospital scheme.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves the review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £11.4 million. The breakdown of how much the trust received for their new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023The trust is currently developing their Outline Business Case for the new Princess Alexandra Hospital, and are at Royal Institute of British Architects Stage 2.

What steps he is taking to support care workers to recognise the signs of domestic violence.

Care Quality Commission regulated providers have a key role in safeguarding adults. All relevant professions are subject to employer checks and controls, and employers in the health and care sector must satisfy themselves regarding the skills and competence of their staff.In January 2024, the Department published the first part of the Care Workforce Pathway, the new national career structure for adult social care, and linked to this we have also launched the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate. Both the pathway and new qualification cover the learning outcome to reduce the likelihood of abuse, linked to safeguarding.On 6 September 2024, the Department launched the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme. This scheme allows eligible employers to claim funding for certain training and qualifications on behalf of eligible care staff, including the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate.