Written questions by Jones.

Whether he has had discussions with Integrated Care Boards on commissioning pathways for suspected brain tumours in primary care.

The Department and NHS England published the 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance, which instructs integrated care boards (ICB) and primary care services to reform pathways in the National Health Service for all patients, including for cancer patients and those with brain tumours.The Elective Reform Plan, published January 2025, also specifies the actions systems and providers are expected to take in 2025/26, including driving pathway reform, for instance through straight to test pathway approaches. General practice (GP) teams are currently able to directly access tests for patients in several imaging modalities, including ultrasound, X-ray, computerised tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.NHS England also achieved the full implementation of the non-specific symptom (NSS) pathways across England, which allows GPs to refer patients for further tests when they display symptoms that could indicate cancer, but which do not align to specific cancers, including for brain cancer symptoms. There are currently 115 live NSS services.Furthermore, the Department announced the development of a new National Cancer Plan, to be published this year. The plan will have patients at its heart and will cover the entirety of the cancer pathway, from referral and diagnosis to treatment and aftercare. In developing the plan, the Department will consider how to streamline cancer pathways and ways to improve outcomes for cancer patients, including those with brain cancer.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the regional variation in GP direct access to brain MRI and CT head scans.

The Diagnostic Imaging Data set (DID) provides data on where a test was requested via GP Direct Access (GPDA). This information is available for the following tests:- chest X-rays;- computed tomography chest scans;- computed tomography abdomen and pelvis scans;- ultrasounds for the abdomen and pelvis; and- brain magnetic resonance imaging.Data for computed tomography head scans is not included as part of the DID, under the current collection. Further information on the DID is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostic-imaging-dataset/The data shows that for the five tests where data on GPDA referral information is collected, the total number of GPDA tests has increased by 23% or 695,000 tests when comparing activity in 2023/24, the latest 12 months for which data is available, and 2021/22, the financial year prior to the publication of the draft GPDA guidance in November 2022. For brain magnetic resonance imaging specifically, the number of GP Direct Access tests increased by 33% or 32,000 tests between 2021/22 and 2023/4.Assessments of variation in the referral rates of each test were conducted prior to the publication of the guidance and are set out in the published data linked above. The data shows there is still variation in referral rates.NHS England is undertaking an extensive programme of communications and engagement to improve awareness of the GPDA guidance, including general practice webinars, dissemination through key partner organisations, inclusion with National Health Service planning guidance, and press releases.We know there is further to go to ensure all parts of the country are using this scheme where appropriate and we are working to see these approaches adopted on a much wider scale.

What steps his Department is taking to improve awareness among GPs of NHS England guidance on direct access to brain imaging.

The Diagnostic Imaging Data set (DID) provides data on where a test was requested via GP Direct Access (GPDA). This information is available for the following tests:- chest X-rays;- computed tomography chest scans;- computed tomography abdomen and pelvis scans;- ultrasounds for the abdomen and pelvis; and- brain magnetic resonance imaging.Data for computed tomography head scans is not included as part of the DID, under the current collection. Further information on the DID is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostic-imaging-dataset/The data shows that for the five tests where data on GPDA referral information is collected, the total number of GPDA tests has increased by 23% or 695,000 tests when comparing activity in 2023/24, the latest 12 months for which data is available, and 2021/22, the financial year prior to the publication of the draft GPDA guidance in November 2022. For brain magnetic resonance imaging specifically, the number of GP Direct Access tests increased by 33% or 32,000 tests between 2021/22 and 2023/4.Assessments of variation in the referral rates of each test were conducted prior to the publication of the guidance and are set out in the published data linked above. The data shows there is still variation in referral rates.NHS England is undertaking an extensive programme of communications and engagement to improve awareness of the GPDA guidance, including general practice webinars, dissemination through key partner organisations, inclusion with National Health Service planning guidance, and press releases.We know there is further to go to ensure all parts of the country are using this scheme where appropriate and we are working to see these approaches adopted on a much wider scale.

What data his Department holds on the uptake of the NHS England 2023 guidance on GP direct access to diagnostic services.

The Diagnostic Imaging Data set (DID) provides data on where a test was requested via GP Direct Access (GPDA). This information is available for the following tests:- chest X-rays;- computed tomography chest scans;- computed tomography abdomen and pelvis scans;- ultrasounds for the abdomen and pelvis; and- brain magnetic resonance imaging.Data for computed tomography head scans is not included as part of the DID, under the current collection. Further information on the DID is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostic-imaging-dataset/The data shows that for the five tests where data on GPDA referral information is collected, the total number of GPDA tests has increased by 23% or 695,000 tests when comparing activity in 2023/24, the latest 12 months for which data is available, and 2021/22, the financial year prior to the publication of the draft GPDA guidance in November 2022. For brain magnetic resonance imaging specifically, the number of GP Direct Access tests increased by 33% or 32,000 tests between 2021/22 and 2023/4.Assessments of variation in the referral rates of each test were conducted prior to the publication of the guidance and are set out in the published data linked above. The data shows there is still variation in referral rates.NHS England is undertaking an extensive programme of communications and engagement to improve awareness of the GPDA guidance, including general practice webinars, dissemination through key partner organisations, inclusion with National Health Service planning guidance, and press releases.We know there is further to go to ensure all parts of the country are using this scheme where appropriate and we are working to see these approaches adopted on a much wider scale.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the distance that children and young people with cancer must travel to access their treatment and care in specialist centres (a) across the UK and (b) from Wokingham constituency.

The Department knows that the cost of travel is an important issue for many young cancer patients and their families in England. NHS England and the integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of their local communities are met, including providing support for travel.The National Health Service in England runs the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) to provide financial assistance for travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostics tests, when referred by a doctor or other primary healthcare professional. Patients who do not qualify for the HTCS and who are on a low income may be able to claim the costs from the Department for Work and Pensions through Universal Credit or a Personal Independence Payment. There are also a number of charities in the United Kingdom who provide support, including financial support, for patients with cancer.On 4 February 2025, the Department relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce to identify tangible ways to improve outcomes and experiences for young cancer patients. The work of the taskforce is ongoing, and officials are exploring opportunities for improvement across a range of areas, including detection and diagnosis, genomic testing and treatment, research and innovation, and patient experience. The taskforce will also ensure that the unique needs of children and young people with cancer are carefully considered as part of the National Cancer Plan, which will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for children and young people with cancer in all parts of England, including Wokingham. Given wider ongoing work on policy development options and analysis of the call for evidence responses for the National Cancer Plan, the Department of Health and Social Care has not made a formal estimate of the proportion of children and young people with cancer and their families that are claiming travel costs from the HTCS.

Whether (a) he and (b) the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce have made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a young cancer patient travel fund; and if he will take steps through the National Cancer Plan to reduce travel costs for children and young people with cancer.

The Department knows that the cost of travel is an important issue for many young cancer patients and their families in England. NHS England and the integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of their local communities are met, including providing support for travel.The National Health Service in England runs the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) to provide financial assistance for travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostics tests, when referred by a doctor or other primary healthcare professional. Patients who do not qualify for the HTCS and who are on a low income may be able to claim the costs from the Department for Work and Pensions through Universal Credit or a Personal Independence Payment. There are also a number of charities in the United Kingdom who provide support, including financial support, for patients with cancer.On 4 February 2025, the Department relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce to identify tangible ways to improve outcomes and experiences for young cancer patients. The work of the taskforce is ongoing, and officials are exploring opportunities for improvement across a range of areas, including detection and diagnosis, genomic testing and treatment, research and innovation, and patient experience. The taskforce will also ensure that the unique needs of children and young people with cancer are carefully considered as part of the National Cancer Plan, which will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for children and young people with cancer in all parts of England, including Wokingham. Given wider ongoing work on policy development options and analysis of the call for evidence responses for the National Cancer Plan, the Department of Health and Social Care has not made a formal estimate of the proportion of children and young people with cancer and their families that are claiming travel costs from the HTCS.

How many and what proportion of children and young people with cancer and their families are successfully claiming travel costs from the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of that scheme in meeting the needs of children and young people with cancer and their families.

The Department knows that the cost of travel is an important issue for many young cancer patients and their families in England. NHS England and the integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of their local communities are met, including providing support for travel.The National Health Service in England runs the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) to provide financial assistance for travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostics tests, when referred by a doctor or other primary healthcare professional. Patients who do not qualify for the HTCS and who are on a low income may be able to claim the costs from the Department for Work and Pensions through Universal Credit or a Personal Independence Payment. There are also a number of charities in the United Kingdom who provide support, including financial support, for patients with cancer.On 4 February 2025, the Department relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce to identify tangible ways to improve outcomes and experiences for young cancer patients. The work of the taskforce is ongoing, and officials are exploring opportunities for improvement across a range of areas, including detection and diagnosis, genomic testing and treatment, research and innovation, and patient experience. The taskforce will also ensure that the unique needs of children and young people with cancer are carefully considered as part of the National Cancer Plan, which will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for children and young people with cancer in all parts of England, including Wokingham. Given wider ongoing work on policy development options and analysis of the call for evidence responses for the National Cancer Plan, the Department of Health and Social Care has not made a formal estimate of the proportion of children and young people with cancer and their families that are claiming travel costs from the HTCS.

What steps he plans to take to support children and young people with cancer with the cost of travelling to access their treatment and care in specialist centres.

The Department knows that the cost of travel is an important issue for many young cancer patients and their families in England. NHS England and the integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of their local communities are met, including providing support for travel.The National Health Service in England runs the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) to provide financial assistance for travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostics tests, when referred by a doctor or other primary healthcare professional. Patients who do not qualify for the HTCS and who are on a low income may be able to claim the costs from the Department for Work and Pensions through Universal Credit or a Personal Independence Payment. There are also a number of charities in the United Kingdom who provide support, including financial support, for patients with cancer.On 4 February 2025, the Department relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce to identify tangible ways to improve outcomes and experiences for young cancer patients. The work of the taskforce is ongoing, and officials are exploring opportunities for improvement across a range of areas, including detection and diagnosis, genomic testing and treatment, research and innovation, and patient experience. The taskforce will also ensure that the unique needs of children and young people with cancer are carefully considered as part of the National Cancer Plan, which will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for children and young people with cancer in all parts of England, including Wokingham. Given wider ongoing work on policy development options and analysis of the call for evidence responses for the National Cancer Plan, the Department of Health and Social Care has not made a formal estimate of the proportion of children and young people with cancer and their families that are claiming travel costs from the HTCS.

What steps he is taking to ensure that people with low-grade brain tumours are included in the forthcoming National Cancer Plan.

The National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for all cancer patients, including those with brain tumours.Low-grade brain tumours are considered non-cancerous, and they grow more slowly and are less likely to spread. This means treatment may not be needed right away.Although low-grade brain tumours are generally non-cancerous, they can have similar, serious symptoms and require surgery or radiotherapy to treat. The Government has invested in new lifesaving and life-improving research, supporting those diagnosed and living with brain tumours.The plan will include further details on how we will speed up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, and ultimately bringing this country’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.

What steps his Department plans to take to reduce the shortfall in breast cancer specialists.

We will publish a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again. We will ensure the National Health Service has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it, including for breast cancer.Clinical radiologists play a key role in the breast clinician workforce, by supporting breast screening and symptomatic services. To help address shortfalls in the breast cancer workforce, NHS England is expanding specialty training places in clinical radiology to grow the future pipeline of clinicians involved in breast cancer care. Recruitment of trainees to the clinical radiology specialty has increased from an average of 234 trainees per year, between 2016 and 2020, to an average of 300, between 2021 and 2025, an expansion of 75 specialty trainee places per year.

What steps he plans to take to review the effectiveness of diagnostic pathways for brain tumours.

The Department is working with NHS England in taking steps to improve diagnostic processes in the National Health Service for all patients with cancer, including those with brain tumours.We will get the NHS diagnosing cancer earlier and treating it faster, which will ultimately improve patient outcomes and their experience throughout their treatment pathway. To do this, we will address the challenges in diagnostic waiting times. We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the NHS to increase diagnostic capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity, including magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. We have now exceeded our pledge to deliver an extra two million operations, scans, and appointments, having now delivered over three million more appointments as the first step to ensuring earlier and faster diagnosis.In developing the National Cancer Plan, we will consider how we can streamline cancer pathways, including for diagnosis and treatment. The plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including those with brain cancer.

With reference to the page 7 of the Economist Impact's report entitled Advancing Breast Cancer Care in Europe: a roadmap to a women-centric approach, published in April 2025, what steps his Department plans to take to raise the (a) awareness and (b) education for women about primary prevention of breast cancer.

The National Health Service is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients in England, including women with breast cancer, have access to personalised care, including a needs assessment, a care plan, and health and wellbeing information and support. Psychosocial support, which can include NHS Talking Therapy services, provides evidence-based therapies for people with anxiety disorders and depression.To provide options for breast cancer survivors to preserve their fertility, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) fertility guidelines set the clinical standards for the current NHS offer to people with cancer who wish to preserve their fertility. The NICE is currently reviewing its guidelines, with publication of a revised guideline expected later this year.Reducing inequalities and variation in cancer care, including for breast cancer care, is a priority for the Government. To address this, NHS England funded audits into primary and metastatic breast cancer. Using routine data collected on patients diagnosed with breast cancer in an NHS setting, the audits bring together information to look at what is being done well, where it is being done well, and what needs to be done better. Findings were published on 12 September 2024 by the National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre, and officials in the Department and NHS England are considering next steps. Further information on the national audits of metastatic breast cancer and primary breast cancer is available, respectively, at the following two link:https://www.natcan.org.uk/audits/metastatic-breast/https://www.natcan.org.uk/audits/primary-breast/To raise awareness and educate women about primary prevention of breast cancer, the Government and the NHS promote a healthy lifestyle. In England, to promote physical activity, the NHS’s Better Health Campaign signposts people to digital support like the NHS Active 10 walking app. To address risks related to overweight and obesity, Government guidance on healthy eating, including the United Kingdom’s healthy eating model the Eatwell Guide, is communicated through the NHS.UK website and through a range of free, evidence-based tools and apps.

What steps his Department plans to take to reduce (a) geographical, (b) socioeconomic and (c) cultural differences in breast cancer care.

The National Health Service is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients in England, including women with breast cancer, have access to personalised care, including a needs assessment, a care plan, and health and wellbeing information and support. Psychosocial support, which can include NHS Talking Therapy services, provides evidence-based therapies for people with anxiety disorders and depression.To provide options for breast cancer survivors to preserve their fertility, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) fertility guidelines set the clinical standards for the current NHS offer to people with cancer who wish to preserve their fertility. The NICE is currently reviewing its guidelines, with publication of a revised guideline expected later this year.Reducing inequalities and variation in cancer care, including for breast cancer care, is a priority for the Government. To address this, NHS England funded audits into primary and metastatic breast cancer. Using routine data collected on patients diagnosed with breast cancer in an NHS setting, the audits bring together information to look at what is being done well, where it is being done well, and what needs to be done better. Findings were published on 12 September 2024 by the National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre, and officials in the Department and NHS England are considering next steps. Further information on the national audits of metastatic breast cancer and primary breast cancer is available, respectively, at the following two link:https://www.natcan.org.uk/audits/metastatic-breast/https://www.natcan.org.uk/audits/primary-breast/To raise awareness and educate women about primary prevention of breast cancer, the Government and the NHS promote a healthy lifestyle. In England, to promote physical activity, the NHS’s Better Health Campaign signposts people to digital support like the NHS Active 10 walking app. To address risks related to overweight and obesity, Government guidance on healthy eating, including the United Kingdom’s healthy eating model the Eatwell Guide, is communicated through the NHS.UK website and through a range of free, evidence-based tools and apps.

What steps his Department plans to take to increase the options for breast cancer survivors to preserve their fertility.

The National Health Service is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients in England, including women with breast cancer, have access to personalised care, including a needs assessment, a care plan, and health and wellbeing information and support. Psychosocial support, which can include NHS Talking Therapy services, provides evidence-based therapies for people with anxiety disorders and depression.To provide options for breast cancer survivors to preserve their fertility, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) fertility guidelines set the clinical standards for the current NHS offer to people with cancer who wish to preserve their fertility. The NICE is currently reviewing its guidelines, with publication of a revised guideline expected later this year.Reducing inequalities and variation in cancer care, including for breast cancer care, is a priority for the Government. To address this, NHS England funded audits into primary and metastatic breast cancer. Using routine data collected on patients diagnosed with breast cancer in an NHS setting, the audits bring together information to look at what is being done well, where it is being done well, and what needs to be done better. Findings were published on 12 September 2024 by the National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre, and officials in the Department and NHS England are considering next steps. Further information on the national audits of metastatic breast cancer and primary breast cancer is available, respectively, at the following two link:https://www.natcan.org.uk/audits/metastatic-breast/https://www.natcan.org.uk/audits/primary-breast/To raise awareness and educate women about primary prevention of breast cancer, the Government and the NHS promote a healthy lifestyle. In England, to promote physical activity, the NHS’s Better Health Campaign signposts people to digital support like the NHS Active 10 walking app. To address risks related to overweight and obesity, Government guidance on healthy eating, including the United Kingdom’s healthy eating model the Eatwell Guide, is communicated through the NHS.UK website and through a range of free, evidence-based tools and apps.

What steps his Department plans to take to improve the provision of post-treatment psychological care for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The National Health Service is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients in England, including women with breast cancer, have access to personalised care, including a needs assessment, a care plan, and health and wellbeing information and support. Psychosocial support, which can include NHS Talking Therapy services, provides evidence-based therapies for people with anxiety disorders and depression.To provide options for breast cancer survivors to preserve their fertility, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) fertility guidelines set the clinical standards for the current NHS offer to people with cancer who wish to preserve their fertility. The NICE is currently reviewing its guidelines, with publication of a revised guideline expected later this year.Reducing inequalities and variation in cancer care, including for breast cancer care, is a priority for the Government. To address this, NHS England funded audits into primary and metastatic breast cancer. Using routine data collected on patients diagnosed with breast cancer in an NHS setting, the audits bring together information to look at what is being done well, where it is being done well, and what needs to be done better. Findings were published on 12 September 2024 by the National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre, and officials in the Department and NHS England are considering next steps. Further information on the national audits of metastatic breast cancer and primary breast cancer is available, respectively, at the following two link:https://www.natcan.org.uk/audits/metastatic-breast/https://www.natcan.org.uk/audits/primary-breast/To raise awareness and educate women about primary prevention of breast cancer, the Government and the NHS promote a healthy lifestyle. In England, to promote physical activity, the NHS’s Better Health Campaign signposts people to digital support like the NHS Active 10 walking app. To address risks related to overweight and obesity, Government guidance on healthy eating, including the United Kingdom’s healthy eating model the Eatwell Guide, is communicated through the NHS.UK website and through a range of free, evidence-based tools and apps.

For what reason age is used to determine eligibility for cancer clinical trials; and whether he is taking steps to ensure that people aged between 16 and 24 have equitable access to such trials.

The Department is committed to maximising the United Kingdom’s potential to lead the world in clinical research, with the aim of ensuring that all patients, including teenagers and young adults with cancer, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.The eligibility of patients for a clinical trial is determined by a set of criteria designed to ensure the safety of participants and the scientific validity of the study. These criteria are decided by each study's sponsors and researchers, based on scientific evidence, study goals, and safety considerations.The Department is working closely with the National Health Service, industry, academia, research regulators, and charities to make clinical research in the UK more efficient, more competitive, and more accessible. We expect these efforts to attract more commercial investment in clinical research and yield a broad and diverse portfolio of clinical trials in the UK, including clinical trials for teenagers and young adults with cancer.The Department funded National Institute for Health and Care Research funds research and research infrastructure, which supports patients and the public to participate in high-quality research, including clinical trial participation for young people with cancer.

Whether his Department is taking steps to improve the (a) collection and (b) reporting of age-disaggregated data on participation in cancer clinical trials for (i) people aged between 16 and 24 and (ii) other people other than through the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), funded by the Department, funds research and research infrastructure, which supports patients and the public to participate in high-quality research, including cancer clinical trials.The NIHR Research Delivery Network collects age-disaggregated data on participation in cancer clinical trials across all age groups, for studies supported by NIHR infrastructure, and reports on this data where appropriate.The Department is working with NHS England and other partners to develop a new data collection approach which will include the age of people participating in NIHR funded studies, including for cancer clinical trials. Once established, this could be expanded to include age data from studies supported by other funders.The Department is committed to maximising the United Kingdom’s potential to lead the world in clinical research, with the aim of ensuring that all patients, including those with cancer, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of age-related eligibility criteria on the inclusion of (a) teenagers and (b) young adults in cancer clinical trials.

The Department is committed to maximising the United Kingdom’s potential to lead the world in clinical research, with the aim of ensuring that all patients, including teenagers and young adults with cancer, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.The eligibility of patients for a clinical trial is determined by a set of criteria designed to ensure the safety of participants and the scientific validity of the study. These criteria are decided by each study's sponsors and researchers, based on scientific evidence, study goals, and safety considerations.The Department is working closely with the National Health Service, industry, academia, research regulators, and charities to make clinical research in the UK more efficient, more competitive, and more accessible. We expect these efforts to attract more commercial investment in clinical research and yield a broad and diverse portfolio of clinical trials in the UK, including clinical trials for teenagers and young adults with cancer.The Department funded National Institute for Health and Care Research funds research and research infrastructure, which supports patients and the public to participate in high-quality research, including clinical trial participation for young people with cancer.

Whether his Department is taking steps to increase the geographical spread of cancer clinical trial sites open to (a) teenagers and (b) young adults.

The Department is committed to maximising the United Kingdom’s potential to lead the world in clinical research, with the aim of ensuring that all patients, including teenagers and young adults with cancer, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), funded by the Department, funds research and research infrastructure, which supports patients and the public to participate in high-quality research, including clinical research for teenagers and young adults with cancer.This research infrastructure includes a network of Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres, co-funded by the NIHR, Cancer Research UK, and the Little Princess Trust, which work across the whole of the UK, bringing together world-leading laboratory and clinical researchers to test new treatments for adults and children with cancer.The NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) supports patients, the public, and health and care organisations across England to participate in high-quality research. The RDN consists of 12 regional RDNs, which support sites across England to deliver clinical research, including clinical research for teenagers and young adults with cancer.The newly designated Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) will build further capacity in delivering commercial clinical research. There are 21 CRDCs spread across the UK, and one of the CRDCs, based at the Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, is dedicated to the delivery of commercial clinical trials for treating children and young people.

What support his Department is providing to hospital trusts waiting for their wave of the New Hospital Programme to be implemented.

Some Wave 2 and 3 schemes will receive funding for specific agreed activities, such as land purchases, that can be progressed during the Spending Review period. We will continue to engage with trusts over the next five years to establish whether there are any activities that can be progressed during the Spending Review period.The Government recognises that in the interim, delivering high-quality National Health Service healthcare services requires safe, sustainable, and effective infrastructure. That is why the Government is backing the NHS with over £4 billion in operational capital and £750 million for estates safety in 2025/26, enabling systems to allocate funding according to local priorities, including maintenance and repairs at New Hospital Programme (NHP) sites. NHS trusts waiting for their NHP wave to be implemented should discuss options with the responsible system in order to allocate 2025/26 operational capital and national programme allocations towards needs at their sites. Capital funding levels beyond 2025/26 will be determined by the current Spending Review, concluding in June of this year, which will consider the needs of the NHS estate.