Every parliamentary written question tabled by Freddie van Mierlo this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 21–40 of 207 · Department of Health and Social Care
If he will make it his policy to produce a set of specific local recommendations for each trust included in the Amos review of maternity and neonatal care following the publication of the National
The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, led by Baroness Amos, is bringing together the findings from past reviews, local investigations in selected trusts, and evidence from families and staff into one single set of national recommendations.The...
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the treatment of NHS staff employed on honorary contracts in recruitment processes during periods of hiring freezes; and whether such staff are classified as internal candidates for the purposes of those processes.
Awaiting answer.
Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Justice on protecting maternity safety campaigners from Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending eligibility for the meningococcal B vaccination to children and young people who were not eligible for the routine infant immunisation programme introduced in 2015.
Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. The MenACWY vaccine offers good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease and is routinely offered to teenagers in school years 9 and 10. However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as Meningitis B (MenB), can circulate among young adults.Decisions on vaccination programmes follow independent expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI does not currently recommend a routine MenB booster vaccination for adolescents and young adults, however the JCVI routinely reviews new evidence as it emerges and my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has asked them to reexamine eligibility for meningitis vaccines.The importance of raising awareness in parents, teenagers, and other adults about the signs and symptoms of meningitis remains key. There are a range of resources developed by the UK Health Security Agency, co-branded with the National Health Service, that set out these key messages and their importance, such as the teenage guide to immunisation.
From what date the National Institute of Clinical Excellence will be authorised to apply an increased cost-effectiveness threshold of £25,000 - £35,000 per quality-adjusted life year.
The Government intends to direct the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to apply the new cost-effectiveness threshold increase from April.
What steps his Department is taking to improve the completeness and consistency of data recorded on people diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in NHS trusts.
Through the National Disease Registration Service’s Get Data Out programme, we will expand the data available to the public and researchers by publishing increased information on incidence, routes to diagnosis, treatments, and survival. We will use the Get Data Out programme to make data on rare cancers more granular, extending the publication of regular data to more individual rare and less common cancers by 2027. We will define and count recurrent cancers, starting with metastatic breast cancer. We will increase specificity of data to help us understand where interventions are needed, and how to make those interventions as effective as possible.Through these National Cancer Plan actions, we will ensure that every person with secondary breast cancer has faster diagnosis and treatment, access to the latest treatments and technology, and high-quality support throughout their journey, while we work to drive up this country’s cancer survival rates.
With reference to the Cancer Plan, what progress his Department has made on defining and counting recurrent breast cancers.
Through the National Disease Registration Service’s Get Data Out programme, we will expand the data available to the public and researchers by publishing increased information on incidence, routes to diagnosis, treatments, and survival. We will use the Get Data Out programme to make data on rare cancers more granular, extending the publication of regular data to more individual rare and less common cancers by 2027. We will define and count recurrent cancers, starting with metastatic breast cancer. We will increase specificity of data to help us understand where interventions are needed, and how to make those interventions as effective as possible.Through these National Cancer Plan actions, we will ensure that every person with secondary breast cancer has faster diagnosis and treatment, access to the latest treatments and technology, and high-quality support throughout their journey, while we work to drive up this country’s cancer survival rates.
What progress his Department has made on the review of early access to medicines.
The Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS), is an existing pathway across the regulatory and access system designed to support innovative treatments being available to patients who need them earlier in the development cycle, outside of a clinical trial. The Government is collaborating across the regulatory system to continuously review the effectiveness of these pathways.Pharmaceutical companies may also put in place arrangements to provide early access to medicines outside EAMS. Working with colleagues at NHS England, the Department is continuing to engage with companies and patient groups regarding early access schemes that are enabled by manufacturers providing free of charge medicines, in advance of any recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. We are presently working to get a fuller picture of the costs of, and barriers to, and opportunities for early access schemes being offered by National Health Service trusts.
To set out a timeline for the process and completion of the independent review of the prevalence of and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism announced on 4 December 2025.
The terms of reference for the independent review into mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism state that the review will take three to six months and will provide a short report to Department ministers, setting out conclusions and recommendations.The review will examine the prevalence of these conditions, the factors driving recent increases in diagnoses, and the quality and consistency of support available. It will consider how people access assessment and treatment, the experiences of families and carers, and the support provided across education, health, and wider public services. It will also look at the role of diagnosis, early intervention, and prevention, and the wider social and cultural factors influencing demand for services.The 10-Year Health Plan set out an ambitious reform agenda to transform the National Health Service and make it fit for the future. We will go further by developing a new approach to mental health so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. This will be informed by the independent review into prevalence and support for mental health, autism, and ADHD.
What will the independent review of the prevalence of and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism be used for.
The terms of reference for the independent review into mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism state that the review will take three to six months and will provide a short report to Department ministers, setting out conclusions and recommendations.The review will examine the prevalence of these conditions, the factors driving recent increases in diagnoses, and the quality and consistency of support available. It will consider how people access assessment and treatment, the experiences of families and carers, and the support provided across education, health, and wider public services. It will also look at the role of diagnosis, early intervention, and prevention, and the wider social and cultural factors influencing demand for services.The 10-Year Health Plan set out an ambitious reform agenda to transform the National Health Service and make it fit for the future. We will go further by developing a new approach to mental health so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. This will be informed by the independent review into prevalence and support for mental health, autism, and ADHD.
What the average time taken was for Integrated Care Boards to respond to correspondence from hon. Members in the latest period for which data is available.
The information requested is not held centrally.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme in facilitating patient access to new treatments for neuromuscular diseases.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) supports access to treatments for people living with neuromuscular diseases. The majority of neuromuscular diseases are defined as rare diseases. On the 2 November 2025, the MHRA published a policy paper on rare therapies and United Kingdom regulatory considerations, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rare-therapies-and-uk-regulatory-considerations/rare-therapies-and-uk-regulatory-considerationsThe Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS), is an existing pathway across the regulatory and access system designed to support innovative treatments being available to patients earlier in the development cycle, outside of a clinical trial. This includes for those living with neuromuscular diseases. The Government is collaborating across the regulatory system to continuously review the effectiveness of these pathways for rare diseases. Further information on the EAMS is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-early-access-to-medicines-scheme-eams
When he expects NICE to publish the outcomes of the appeals on its final draft guidance on donanemab and lecanemab.
The appeals against the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommendations on donanemab and lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease were heard by NICE’s independent appeal panel in January. The next steps of the appraisal will be subject to the outcome of the appeals, and NICE will update its stakeholders in due course.
Whether he has assessed the potential merits of introducing measures to accelerate the roll-out of new newborn screening programmes for genetic diseases.
NHS England is currently planning a large-scale in-service evaluation (ISE) of screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which is a genetic condition, in newborn screening services to start in January 2027. Over 400,000 babies would be offered screening as part of this ISE. The ISE will help inform a future UK NSC recommendation on whether screening for SMA should be added to the NHS Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme (NBSP).An ISE for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), another genetic condition, was undertaken in some newborn screening services in England from 2021 and concluded in 2024. During this period, 900,000 babies were screened, and 10 babies were found to have SCID. NHS England is planning to continue the SCID ISE alongside the ISE for SMA.The Generation Study, which launched in 2024, is evaluating the effectiveness of using whole genome sequencing to test 100,000 newborns for genetic mutations associated with more than 200 rare genetic conditions. The sequencing of 100,000 newborns through the Generation Study will be completed by summer 2027.The evaluation part of the study will then be completed and shared with the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) which advises ministers on all screening matters. The UK NSC will assess the findings to determine whether any newborn genomic screening can be recommended or whether more research is required.
What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Amos Review interim report's findings regarding reports of racism and stereotyping in maternity and neonatal services; and what steps are being considered to respond to these issues.
The interim report of the national independent investigation into National Health Service maternity and neonatal care, chaired by Baroness Amos, underlines the unacceptable experiences of some women and their families due to racism and discrimination.The investigation aims to identify the drivers and impact of inequalities faced by women, babies and families from Black and Asian backgrounds as well as deprived and marginalised groups. A coherent single set of national recommendations will be published by the investigation in June, which the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will address by developing a new action plan to drive improvements across maternity and neonatal care.We are not waiting for the investigation to report. We are taking immediate actions, including a programme in all trusts to tackle discrimination and racism, while local systems are all implementing their Equity and Equality action plans. We have also launched a ‘Maternal Care Bundle’ which includes best practice for clinical conditions that are the leading causes of death for women from Black and Asian backgrounds.
What consideration his department has given to the Amos Review's interim report's findings that some women and families felt their concerns were not listened to during pregnancy and labour, and how this will inform future policy development.
In her interim report, Baroness Amos has identified a key issue of women and families being disregarded and not listened to during pregnancy and labour, repeatedly hearing from women and families about a lack of transparency, clear communication, and learning when things went wrong.Unfortunately, too many women are not listened to by the National Health Service, and the Government has been clear that it is unacceptable. Health professionals need to listen to women and respond appropriately, and that is why we introduced Jess’s Rule and are rolling out Martha’s Rule to every acute hospital, which ensure patients get their voices heard and their concerns aren’t dismissed. We're putting women's voices at the heart of our renewed Women's Health Strategy, which will be published soon.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care’s maternity and neonatal taskforce will address the recommendations from the investigation when they are published in June, through the development of a national action plan. The taskforce will also hold the system to account for improving outcomes and experiences for women and babies. Families’ voices will be central to the taskforce.
What comparative assessment he has made of expected outcomes for babies with spinal muscular atrophy living in areas (a) included in the in-service evaluation of newborn screening for SMA and (b) not included in the in-service evaluation.
The Government recognises the challenges faced by those living with rare diseases and their families and is committed to improving outcomes. This is why the National Health Service is planning a large-scale in-service evaluation (ISE) of screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in newborn screening services. This ISE is due to start in January 2027 and will offer screening to over 400,000 babies.As the ISE is still in the planning stages, the Department has not yet made a comparative assessment of expected outcomes for babies identified through the evaluation compared with babies born in areas not included in the evaluation.Babies born outside the evaluation would continue to receive the current standard of care, including access to specialist clinical assessment and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approved treatments where clinically appropriate. Clinical decisions for babies with suspected or confirmed SMA are made by specialist clinicians, regardless of where a child is born.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has asked NHS England to investigate whether it would be appropriate and feasible for the ISE to be rolled out across the whole of England.Any screening programme that would impact approximately 650,000 babies per year in the UK must be underpinned by high quality robust evidence that demonstrates that screening will do more good than harm. The ISE will help inform a future UK National Screening Committee recommendation on whether screening for SMA should be added to the NHS Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme.
What analysis his department has undertaken of the staffing and capacity pressures identified in the Amos Review's interim report, and what options are being examined to support maternity and neonatal units facing these challenges.
The Government is committed to tackling the retention and recruitment challenges that face the National Health Service. This includes work in maternity and neonatal services to introduce a midwifery and nursing retention self-assessment tool, mentoring schemes, a Graduate Guarantee that has already delivered 700 additional roles for newly qualified midwives, and funded speciality training for neonatal nurses to have the additional skills they need to care for critically ill babies. In addition, the Department’s upcoming workforce plan will make sure the NHS has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it. Baroness Amos’ interim report details insights gathered so far in the national independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care. Evidence is still being collected and analysed, and a coherent single set of national recommendations will be published in June. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, will chair a new National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce that will address the interim insights and final recommendations of the investigation, forming them into a national action plan to drive improvements across maternity and neonatal care.
Whether she plans to reinstate funding to the Support After Suicide Partnership.
We recognise the importance of suicide bereavement services and acknowledge the difficult financial position for many voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations.Commissioning responsibility for local suicide bereavement services sits with integrated care boards and it is for them to commission appropriate services for their local population while considering their overall financial position.
What steps his Department is taking to identify and tackle systemic causes of avoidable harm in maternity and neonatal services.
While the vast majority of births in England are safe, we know that systemic causes of avoidable harm exist in maternity and neonatal services, and this is not acceptable.This is why my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, asked Baroness Amos to lead an independent investigation in National Health Service maternity and neonatal care to help us understand the systemic issues behind why so many women, babies, and families experience unacceptable care. The investigation will publish its final report and recommendations in June 2026.The Government is also setting up a National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The taskforce will address the recommendations of the investigation by developing a new national action plan to drive improvements across maternity and neonatal care. The taskforce will also hold the system to account for improving outcomes and experiences for women and babies.We are not waiting to take action. We have already recruited over 800 more midwives, we’re investing over £140 million to address critical safety risks on the maternity estate, and we are rolling out guidance to tackle the leading causes of maternal death. We are also rolling out programmes to tackle discrimination and racism and avoidable brain injuries.