Written questions by Amos.

When his Department last reviewed the income thresholds for the Healthy Start scheme, and whether it will conduct an updated review given concerns that thresholds have not been revised for nearly a decade and may no longer reflect current economic conditions faced by low income working families.

The Government has taken action to strengthen support through Healthy Start. From April 2026, an increase to the weekly payments has been implemented, which means pregnant women and children aged under four years old and over one years old each receive £4.65 every week, and children under one years old each receive £9.30.The income-related eligibility criteria for the Healthy Start scheme are not set as standalone cash thresholds. Eligibility is linked to receipt of certain income-related benefits, including Universal Credit, which act as passporting mechanisms to ensure support is targeted at families on the lowest incomes. Eligibility criteria for the scheme are kept under continuous review.

Whether the Department has assessed the potential merits of extending Healthy Start eligibility to include working parents in receipt of Statutory Paternity Pay.

The Healthy Start Scheme was introduced in 2006 to encourage a healthy diet for pregnant women, babies, and young children under four years old from very low-income households. The Department has not undertaken a specific assessment of extending Healthy Start eligibility to include working parents in receipt of Statutory Paternity Pay. This is because Statutory Paternity Pay is not a means tested benefit and is available to individuals in work, including those on higher incomes.

How many patients have been affected by the recall of certain Boston Scientific CRT-P pacemakers (a) nationally and (b) within Somerset; what assessment has been made of the potential impact of this on NHS resources; and who is responsible for covering the costs of device replacement and associated care.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is closely monitoring the Boston Scientific Accolade Field Safety Corrective Action (FSCA) to ensure it progresses safely.The FSCA affects 13,969 pacemaker patients at 153 sites in the United Kingdom, who have an increased risk of their pacemaker switching to “Safety Mode”. This represents approximately 14% of UK Accolade Pacemakers.The Department is aware of two deaths associated with this malfunction, both of which occurred outside the UK, and resulted from injuries sustained from fainting following a malfunction.Risk mitigation advice includes evaluation of patient devices and revision surgery for those with four years or less longevity remaining. While some devices may need earlier replacement than would have been expected, the risk to patients is low and affected patients are being reviewed locally by expert clinical teams, often as part of routine follow-up processes.Musgrove Park Hospital’s pacing service, which includes the fitting of pacemakers, has been minimally affected, less than five patients, by the recall of the Boston Scientific CRT‑P pacemakers.In most cases, the trust uses alternative pacemaker products, including Biotronik and Abbott devices. As a result, the recall has had minimal impact on services and patient care, but MHRA will continue to keep this under review.The commissioning of pacemaker devices does not fall under the direct commissioning remit of NHS England. Given the benefits of trying to achieve a nationally coordinated response, NHS England worked with professional bodies and NHS Supply Chain to encourage an equitable approach from Boston Scientific relating to both additional device costs and the impact of additional activity.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the recall of certain Boston Scientific CRT-P pacemakers on NHS services; and what steps are being taken to support affected patients and recover associated costs.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is closely monitoring the Boston Scientific Accolade Field Safety Corrective Action (FSCA) to ensure it progresses safely.The FSCA affects 13,969 pacemaker patients at 153 sites in the United Kingdom, who have an increased risk of their pacemaker switching to “Safety Mode”. This represents approximately 14% of UK Accolade Pacemakers.The Department is aware of two deaths associated with this malfunction, both of which occurred outside the UK, and resulted from injuries sustained from fainting following a malfunction.Risk mitigation advice includes evaluation of patient devices and revision surgery for those with four years or less longevity remaining. While some devices may need earlier replacement than would have been expected, the risk to patients is low and affected patients are being reviewed locally by expert clinical teams, often as part of routine follow-up processes.Musgrove Park Hospital’s pacing service, which includes the fitting of pacemakers, has been minimally affected, less than five patients, by the recall of the Boston Scientific CRT‑P pacemakers.In most cases, the trust uses alternative pacemaker products, including Biotronik and Abbott devices. As a result, the recall has had minimal impact on services and patient care, but MHRA will continue to keep this under review.The commissioning of pacemaker devices does not fall under the direct commissioning remit of NHS England. Given the benefits of trying to achieve a nationally coordinated response, NHS England worked with professional bodies and NHS Supply Chain to encourage an equitable approach from Boston Scientific relating to both additional device costs and the impact of additional activity.

Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential merits of including individuals on spouse visas who have the right to work and contribute to the NHS among the priority groups for NHS specialty training offers.

The Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 13 January 2026. The bill delivers the Government’s commitment in the 10-Year Health Plan for England, published in July 2025, to prioritise United Kingdom medical graduates for foundation training, and to prioritise UK medical graduates and other doctors who have worked in the National Health Service for a significant period for specialty training.For specialty training places starting in 2026, NHS experience is being represented by immigration status as people with a settled immigration status are more likely to have worked in the NHS for longer. For specialty training posts starting from 2027 onwards, this provision will not apply automatically. Instead, it will be possible to make regulations to specify additional groups who will be prioritised, where they are likely to have significant experience working as a doctor either in the NHS in England, Scotland, or Wales, or in health and social care in Northern Ireland, or by reference to their immigration status.Individuals on spouse visas are not included in the prioritised group for specialty training posts starting in 2026, because it is not a good indicator of likely NHS experience. The Department of Health and Social Care worked closely with the Home Office on the development of the bill.Applicants on spouse visas will still be able to apply and will be offered places if vacancies remain after prioritised applicants have received offers.

What steps NHS England will take to ensure Integrated Care Boards comply with Regulation 6(4) of the NHS (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013, particularly where chemist premises are removed following a consolidation application, but no Supplementary Statement is publicly published to confirm that the relevant Health and Wellbeing Board is satisfied that no gap in service provision was created.

If two pharmacies are consolidated onto one site, the relevant Local Authority Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) must publish a supplementary statement to their Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment if, in their view, the consolidation has not created a gap in service provision. This requirement is set out in Regulation 6(4) of the NHS (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013. Whilst it is not the responsibility of NHS England to ensure HWBs comply with this requirement, integrated care boards (ICBs) must seek assurance that a closure of a pharmacy would not create a gap when considering consolidation applications. This includes seeking the view of the HWB. Any representations received from the HWB are considered when reviewing an application from a contractor to open a pharmacy in the area. NHS England oversees the performance of ICBs through the NHS Oversight Framework 2025/26 and the Strategic Commissioning Framework.

What assessment his Department has made of the impact of economic factors and the consumption of ultra-processed foods on the prevalence of diet-related illnesses and mental health conditions, and what steps are being taken to address these upstream determinants of public health.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) considered the evidence on the impact of processing on health, including mental health, in 2023 and 2025. The SACN concluded that the observed associations between higher consumption of processed and ultra processed foods and adverse health outcomes are concerning. The SACN noted that studies to date appear to inconsistently account for important factors such as socioeconomic status.The SACN recommend that on balance, most people are likely to benefit from reducing their consumption of processed foods high in energy, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, and which are low in fibre. These recommendations align with existing policies for supporting healthier diets and advice to consumers. The SACN will keep the topic of food processing and health under review.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ 2024 report on Food Insecurity also considered inequalities in access to a healthy sustainable diet. Data from the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey report shows that participants in higher income households, and households in less deprived areas, were closer to meeting some dietary recommendations. However, where diets failed to meet recommendations, this was consistent across the range of income and deprivation.The Department of Health and Social Care is working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to develop their cross-Government Food Strategy, which aims to improve affordability and access to healthier food, to help both adults and children live longer, healthier lives.Earlier this year, the Government committed to reviewing the School Food Standards to reflect the most recent Government dietary recommendations. Free school meals will also be extended to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit from September 2026.Healthy Start provides funding to pregnant women, babies, and young children under four years old from very low-income households to support a healthier diet. In April 2026, the value of weekly payments will increase by 10%.The Department is working closely with the Child Poverty Taskforce to develop and deliver an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty.

What steps he is taking to ensure seamless patient care for communities living on county boundaries, such as those between Somerset and Devon; and if he will take steps to (a) ensure interoperability of clinical records between NHS trusts and (b) issue guidance to Integrated Care Boards to prevent treatment restrictions based on administrative boundaries.

The Government's 10-Year Health Plan includes the objective of delivering a single patient record. This will allow staff, wherever they deliver care, to access the key information they need, from all of an individual’s medical records. Mandatory information standards, which all providers have to follow, will ensure the interoperability of systems within the National Health Service.NHS England’s Who Pays? guidance sets out a framework for establishing which NHS organisation has responsibility for commissioning an individual’s care and which has responsibility for paying for that care. It came into effect from 1 August 2025 and can be found at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/who-pays-determining-which-nhs-commissioner-is-responsible-for-commissioning-healthcare-services-and-making-payments-to-providers/The Strategic Commissioning Framework for integrated care boards (ICBs) seeks to ensure that ICBs take a consistent approach to commissioning services, to secure the best outcomes for their population. It can be found at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/strategic-commissioning-framework/ ICBs are responsible for undertaking health needs assessments to understand the health and wellbeing needs of their local population, including identifying inequalities and planning services accordingly.

How many of the 2,000 GPs recruited through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme have been recruited in Taunton and Wellington constituency.

Data for July 2025 shows that since October 2024, 2,097 newly qualified general practitioners have been recruited through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, nine of which were recruited in the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board, in which the Taunton and Wellington constituency is located. The data is not available at constituency level.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed increase in the Health and Care Worker visa salary threshold on the delivery of (a) NHS and (b) social care services in (i) Somerset and (ii) other rural areas.

My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has regular discussions with My Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on a range of subjects, including immigration policy.From 9 April 2025, the minimum salary for Health and Care Worker Visa holders increased to £25,000 per year. This applies to new Certificates of Sponsorship assigned on or after that date. No specific assessment has been made on the impact of this change on the delivery of National Health Service and social care services in Somerset and other rural areas.Entry level NHS Agenda for Change band 3 roles do not meet the new minimum salary threshold for a Health and Care Worker visa. However, Agenda for Change NHS pay band 3 staff currently on the Health and Care Worker visa are not required to meet the new minimum salary threshold until the point at which they need to renew their visa. At this point, we expect the majority of staff to have accrued two or more years’ experience and therefore be at the top of pay band 3, which is above the new minimum salary threshold.Information on the number of health and social care staff who are unable to renew their visas as a result of the new minimum salary threshold for the Health and Care worker visa is not collected centrally.Whilst we hugely value our international workforce and the skills and experience they bring, we are also committed to growing homegrown talent and giving opportunities to more people across the country to join our NHS. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will outline strategies for improving retention, productivity, training, and reducing attrition, thereby enhancing conditions for all staff while gradually reducing reliance on international recruitment, without diminishing the value of their contributions.International recruitment has also played a valuable role in helping grow the adult social care (ASC) workforce and has given the health and care sectors the benefit of the skill and commitment of overseas workers who wish to work in the UK. However, it is the Government’s policy to reduce reliance on international recruitment in ASC and improve domestic recruitment and retention.The Department monitors ASC workforce capacity, bringing together national data sets from Skills for Care’s monthly tracking data, the Capacity Tracker tool, and intelligence from key sector partners.We will also use annual estimates of demographics within the ASC workforce from Skills for Care to monitor trends in the number of posts within the sector which are filled by British nationals, supplemented by additional intelligence.

What estimate she has made of the number of health and social care staff will be unable to renew their visas as a result of the new salary threshold for Health and Care visas (a) nationally and (b) among those employed by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has regular discussions with My Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on a range of subjects, including immigration policy.From 9 April 2025, the minimum salary for Health and Care Worker Visa holders increased to £25,000 per year. This applies to new Certificates of Sponsorship assigned on or after that date. No specific assessment has been made on the impact of this change on the delivery of National Health Service and social care services in Somerset and other rural areas.Entry level NHS Agenda for Change band 3 roles do not meet the new minimum salary threshold for a Health and Care Worker visa. However, Agenda for Change NHS pay band 3 staff currently on the Health and Care Worker visa are not required to meet the new minimum salary threshold until the point at which they need to renew their visa. At this point, we expect the majority of staff to have accrued two or more years’ experience and therefore be at the top of pay band 3, which is above the new minimum salary threshold.Information on the number of health and social care staff who are unable to renew their visas as a result of the new minimum salary threshold for the Health and Care worker visa is not collected centrally.Whilst we hugely value our international workforce and the skills and experience they bring, we are also committed to growing homegrown talent and giving opportunities to more people across the country to join our NHS. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will outline strategies for improving retention, productivity, training, and reducing attrition, thereby enhancing conditions for all staff while gradually reducing reliance on international recruitment, without diminishing the value of their contributions.International recruitment has also played a valuable role in helping grow the adult social care (ASC) workforce and has given the health and care sectors the benefit of the skill and commitment of overseas workers who wish to work in the UK. However, it is the Government’s policy to reduce reliance on international recruitment in ASC and improve domestic recruitment and retention.The Department monitors ASC workforce capacity, bringing together national data sets from Skills for Care’s monthly tracking data, the Capacity Tracker tool, and intelligence from key sector partners.We will also use annual estimates of demographics within the ASC workforce from Skills for Care to monitor trends in the number of posts within the sector which are filled by British nationals, supplemented by additional intelligence.

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on ensuring that the new Health and Care Worker visa salary threshold does not undermine NHS workforce planning.

My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has regular discussions with My Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on a range of subjects, including immigration policy.From 9 April 2025, the minimum salary for Health and Care Worker Visa holders increased to £25,000 per year. This applies to new Certificates of Sponsorship assigned on or after that date. No specific assessment has been made on the impact of this change on the delivery of National Health Service and social care services in Somerset and other rural areas.Entry level NHS Agenda for Change band 3 roles do not meet the new minimum salary threshold for a Health and Care Worker visa. However, Agenda for Change NHS pay band 3 staff currently on the Health and Care Worker visa are not required to meet the new minimum salary threshold until the point at which they need to renew their visa. At this point, we expect the majority of staff to have accrued two or more years’ experience and therefore be at the top of pay band 3, which is above the new minimum salary threshold.Information on the number of health and social care staff who are unable to renew their visas as a result of the new minimum salary threshold for the Health and Care worker visa is not collected centrally.Whilst we hugely value our international workforce and the skills and experience they bring, we are also committed to growing homegrown talent and giving opportunities to more people across the country to join our NHS. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will outline strategies for improving retention, productivity, training, and reducing attrition, thereby enhancing conditions for all staff while gradually reducing reliance on international recruitment, without diminishing the value of their contributions.International recruitment has also played a valuable role in helping grow the adult social care (ASC) workforce and has given the health and care sectors the benefit of the skill and commitment of overseas workers who wish to work in the UK. However, it is the Government’s policy to reduce reliance on international recruitment in ASC and improve domestic recruitment and retention.The Department monitors ASC workforce capacity, bringing together national data sets from Skills for Care’s monthly tracking data, the Capacity Tracker tool, and intelligence from key sector partners.We will also use annual estimates of demographics within the ASC workforce from Skills for Care to monitor trends in the number of posts within the sector which are filled by British nationals, supplemented by additional intelligence.

How many overheating incidents have been logged in Musgrove Park Hospital in each of the last five years.

The following table shows the number of overheating incidents logged at Musgrove Park Hospital, from 2019/20 to 2023/24:YearOverheating incidents2023/24202022/23152021/2292020/21Data not collected2019/20Data not collectedSource: Estates Returns Information Collection, from January 2025.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that lung health is prioritised in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.

The 10-Year Health Plan will deliver the three big shifts the National Health Service needs to be fit for the future: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention. All of these are relevant to improving respiratory health in all parts of the county.More tests and scans delivered in the community, better joint working between services, and greater use of apps and wearable technology will all help people manage their long-term conditions, including respiratory conditions, closer to home. Earlier diagnosis of conditions will help people manage their conditions, prevent deterioration and improve survival rates.

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the funding for early access programmes.

There are no current plans to increase funding for medicines supplied through early access programmes. The early access to medicines scheme (EAMS) was formed in 2014 and aims to give patients with life threatening or seriously debilitating conditions access to medicines that do not yet have a marketing authorisation when there is a clear unmet medical need. In 2022, EAMS was introduced into the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. EAMS products are classed as unlicensed medicines within the regulations. Additionally, within the regulations, there is no comment on the ability to charge for supply, however, it is stated in the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) guidance that there should be no charge for supply of these medicines under the EAMS programme.Outside of EAMS, companies may put in place early access programmes (EAPs) to allow early access to new medicines that do not yet have a marketing authorisation. These are not approved by the MHRA and participation in such programmes is decided at an individual National Health Service trust level. Under these programmes, the cost of the drug is free to both patients taking part in it, and to the NHS, but NHS trusts must still cover administration costs.NHS England has published guidance for integrated care systems (ICS) on free of charge medicines schemes such as EAPs, including providing advice on potential financial, administrative, and clinical risks. The guidance aims to support the NHS to drive value from medicines and ensure consistent and equitable access to medicines across England. ICSs should follow the recommendations to determine whether to implement any free of charge scheme, including assessing suitability and any risks in the short, medium, and long term. The guidance is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/free-of-charge-foc-medicines-schemes-national-policy-recommendations-for-local-systems/