Written questions by McMurdock.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2024 to Question 19157 on Bowel Cancer: Health Services, what steps he has taken to support Bowel Cancer UK's Never Too Young campaign.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of Bowel Cancer UK’s Never Too Young campaign. To improve awareness, NHS England runs Help Us Help You campaigns to increase knowledge of cancer symptoms and address barriers to acting on them. The campaign encourages people to come forward as soon as possible to see their general practitioner, focusing on a range of symptoms, as well as encouraging ‘body awareness’ to help people spot symptoms across a wide range of cancers at an earlier point. Previous phases of the campaign have focused on abdominal symptoms which, among other abdominal cancers, can be indicative of bowel cancer.We will improve National Health Service cancer waiting time performance so patients, including those with bowel cancer, are diagnosed and treated faster. The NHS is prioritising the roll-out of additional diagnostic capacity, delivering the final year of the three-year investment plan for establishing community diagnostic centres, with capacity prioritised for cancer diagnostics.NHS England is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients are offered Holistic Needs Assessment and Personalised Care and Support Planning, ensuring care is focused on what matters most to each person. As well as this, all patients, including those with secondary cancers, will have access to the right expertise and support, including a Clinical Nurse Specialist or other support worker. This is being delivered in line with the NHS Comprehensive Model for Personalised Care, empowering people to manage their care and the impact of their cancer and maximise the potential of digital and community-based support.My Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has been clear in his view that there should be a National Cancer Plan, which will include further details on how we will improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, including for bowel cancer. We are currently in discussions about what form a potential National Cancer Plan for England should take, including its relationship to the 10-Year Health Plan and the Government’s wider Health Mission, and will provide updates in due course.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of (a) the NHS and (b) MHRA's response to women suffering as a result of vaginal mesh implants.

In response to the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review (IMMDS Review) the National Health Service and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have worked to improve support for women who have experienced complications from pelvic mesh, and to improve patient involvement and system responsiveness to patient safety issues.NHS England established nine specialist mesh centres across England, ensuring that women in every region with complications of mesh inserted for urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse gets the right support. NHS England is working with the mesh centres to review and gain feedback on their outcomes and patient experience, to ensure they are supporting patients as planned.The Medical Devices Outcomes Registry was established by NHS England in April 2024 to fulfil recommendation seven of the IMMDS Review. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Stress Urinary Incontinence registry will be launched this year. This will ensure that appropriate clinical vigilance data is collected, surgical outliers can be identified, and comparative performance and outcomes across centres is routinely available.In response to recommendation six of the IMMDS Review, the MHRA underwent an organisation-wide transformation to become a more progressive and responsive patient-focussed regulator of medical products, including pelvic mesh. This included the creation of a publicly accessible registration system for medical devices, putting a new SafetyConnect vigilance service in place, and improving the responsiveness and awareness of the Yellow Card reporting system. The MHRA continues to work across the health sector and with international regulators, to monitor and examine evidence as it becomes available to continue to improve patient safety.

What recent discussions his Department has had with women experiencing (a) pain and (b) complications from transvaginal mesh implants.

The Government is carefully considering the valuable work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and the resulting Hughes Report. The report sets out options for redress for those harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh. The Government will be providing an update to the Patient Safety Commissioner’s Report at the earliest opportunity.As part of this work, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health had an introductory meeting with individuals and stakeholders representing those harmed by Pelvic mesh on 17 December 2024.

What discussions he has had with stakeholders on the potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Government takes the safety of all vaccinations and medicinal products used in the United Kingdom extremely seriously. No medicine or vaccine is completely risk-free, but the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency continually monitors the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines through its comprehensive COVID-19 vaccine surveillance strategy, to ensure that the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines continue to outweigh the risks. Following widespread use of these vaccines across the UK, the vast majority of suspected adverse reaction reports relate to injection-site reactions and generalised symptoms such as a headache or fatigue.The Government knows, however, that there are some extremely rare circumstances where individuals have sadly experienced significant harm following COVID-19 vaccination. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and I have recently met with the families of some of those who have suffered serious adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination, to listen to their concerns and to discuss the support available.

What steps he is taking to increase the number of walk-in centres.

Integrated commissioning boards, in their commissioning of unscheduled and urgent care services, are responsible for determining where services will be most effective, and this may be co-located with the local emergency department or be a standalone service either on or off a hospital site.

What discussions his Department has had with public health officials on adverse side effects to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Each COVID-19 vaccine candidate is assessed by teams of scientists and clinicians on a case-by-case basis, and only authorised once it has met robust standards of effectiveness, safety, and quality set by the United Kingdom’s independent medicines’ regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). No medicine or vaccine is completely risk-free, but the MHRA continually monitors the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines through its comprehensive COVID-19 vaccine surveillance strategy to ensure that the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines continue to outweigh the risks. Should any information indicate a possible new safety concern, the system will rapidly and thoroughly investigate, with advice for healthcare professionals and patients updated where appropriate.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the support provided via the NHS England Recovery Support Programme (RSP) to the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation.

The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is in segment four of the NHS Oversight Framework. This means that the trust is in receipt of national mandated support via NHS England’s Recovery Support Programme (RSP), led by senior and multidisciplinary teams to help embed sustainable quality and financial improvements.RSP governance and oversight is well established, and Department officials meet with NHS England and the Care Quality Commission monthly to assess the progress and developments within the programme. This helps to ensure effective lines of communication and enables us to continue to assure that organisations are receiving appropriate support.

What recent assessment his Department has made of trends in the number of (a) adverse events and (b) rare side effects reported after receiving a covid-19 vaccine.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is responsible for monitoring all authorised medicines and vaccines in the United Kingdom, including COVID-19 vaccines, on an ongoing basis, to ensure their benefits continue to outweigh any risks. This monitoring strategy is continuous, proactive, and based on a wide range of information sources, including reports of adverse events and rare side effects. A dedicated team of assessors reviews this information on a weekly basis to look for safety issues or unexpected, rare events.The robust safety monitoring and surveillance of any COVID-19 vaccines used in the UK includes timely communication on any updated safety advice when needed. Additionally, monthly updates of Adverse Drug Reaction data continue with the new interactive COVID-19 vaccine reports, with further information available at the following link:https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/idaps

What plans his Department has to improve (a) cardiopulmonary resuscitation and (b) automated external defibrillator training for the public (i) in residential areas and (ii) generally.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What plans his Department has to ensure access to defibrillators in (a) rural areas and (b) areas where ambulance response times are longer.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of integrating new automated external defibrillators into existing national databases to help increase (a) the accessibility and (b) awareness of those devices.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of (a) mandating and (b) incentivising the inclusion of defibrillators in (i) existing housing estates and (ii) urban developments.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What steps he is taking to ensure the (a) long-term maintenance and (b) functionality of publicly accessible defibrillators.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

Whether his Department plans to collaborate with (a) emergency services, (b) local councils and (c) charities to coordinate automated external defibrillator (i) installation and (ii) maintenance.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What steps his Department is taking with housing developers to support (a) the installation of automated external defibrillators and (b) other public health initiatives.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What steps his Department is taking to educate the public about the (a) use and (b) availability of defibrillators.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What steps his Department is taking to increase the availability of automated external defibrillators in (a) residential areas where cardiac arrests are most prevalent and (b) other residential areas.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed the funding applications against the requirements specified by the Department. These requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.As part of the Department’s requirements, the defibrillators are suitable for use by untrained persons. The Mindray C1A Defibrillator, a fully automated device suitable for use by untrained persons, are the AEDs provided by Smarter Society, in partnership with London Hearts charity. When an AED is installed on the external wall of a building, Smarter Society advises the guardian that the AED is listed on the public liability insurance in case of loss or theft.Once installed, these defibrillators are required to be registered on The Circuit, a national defibrillator and ambulance service database, operated independently by the British Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the National Health Service. Upon registration, contact details are provided for the nominated AED guardian or guardians, who are local to the defibrillator’s location, and conduct checks when required. The registered guardian receives an automatic email or text message notification if the defibrillator has potentially been used, therefore prompting the guardian to conduct a check. The Circuit records the potential use of each registered defibrillator. The registered guardian of the defibrillator will automatically be contacted if their AED is potentially used, and may therefore require replacement pads. In addition, The Circuit will also send out an automatic notification to the guardian approximately three months before the AED’s battery or pads expire.Following the use of an AED machine, they do not require resetting. The only maintenance required is to change battery after five years. The pads must be replaced at the point of expiry, with a minimum three-year lifespan, or after each use. London Hearts, the supplier for the Community AED programme, runs a free pad program and discounts the costs for replacements.The Department does not hold data on AEDs installed on Government buildings, or whether those AEDs are registered on The Circuit.The Department has continued its partnership with Smarter Society, who managed the grant applications on our behalf, with London Hearts supplying the AEDs. London Hearts is the leading heart defibrillator charity in the United Kingdom, supporting communities with the provision of life saving heart defibrillators, and teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillator skills.NHS England has partnered with St John Ambulance to co-ordinate skills development, to significantly increase the use of AEDs by individuals in community settings. This includes a national network of Community Advocates to champion the importance of first aid, training 60,000 people that will help save up to 4,000 lives each year by 2028.

What steps he is taking to help ensure value for money in (a) medicines and (b) medical supplies in the NHS.

Processes are in place to ensure that new medicines represent a clinically and cost-effective use of resources before they are routinely funded by the National Health Service in England. New licensed medicines are evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which makes recommendations for the NHS on whether they should be routinely funded based on an assessment of their costs and benefits. The NICE aims, wherever possible, to issue its recommendations close to the point of licensing, and the NHS in England is legally required to fund medicines recommended by the NICE, normally within three months of the publication of final guidance.Furthermore, the United Kingdom has had controlled spend on branded medicines through a series of voluntary agreements since 1957. The new Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access, and Growth is expected to generate the NHS approximately £14 billion in savings over five years in medicines expenditure that can be made available to provide the best possible treatment and care for NHS patients, grow the workforce, and cut waiting lists.Regarding value for money in medical supplies for the NHS, the sourcing, delivery, and supply of healthcare products is managed by NHS Supply Chain. Their aim is to leverage the collective buying power of the NHS to drive savings and provide a standardised range of clinically assured, quality products at the best value. The Department is committed to realising the full potential of NHS Supply Chain to deliver greater savings and efficiencies alongside a broader value proposition focussing on supply chain resilience, product safety, enabling access to innovation, social value, sustainability, and ethical considerations. NHS Supply Chain is continuing to work together with the Department, NHS England, NHS trusts, suppliers, and other system partners across the country to improve procurement in the NHS. This will be achieved through ongoing collaboration, partnership working, and innovation.

What steps his Department is taking to help improve mental health services in Essex.

People with mental health issues in Essex are not getting the support or care they deserve, which is why we will fix the system to ensure that mental health is given the same attention and focus as physical health, so that people can be confident in accessing high quality mental health support when they need it. We will recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers nationally to reduce delays and provide faster treatment which will also help ease pressure on hospitals, as well as introduce specialist mental health professionals in every school and roll out “Young Futures hubs” in every community. By cutting mental health waiting lists and intervening earlier with more timely mental health support, we can get this country back to good health.In addition, people of all ages who are in crisis or who are concerned about a family or loved one can now call 111, select the mental health option, and speak to a trained mental health professional. National Health Service staff can guide callers with next steps such as organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternative services, like crisis cafés or safe havens, which provide a place for people to stay as an alternative to accident and emergency or a hospital admission.

What steps he is taking to increase the number of GPs in Essex.

We have committed to training thousands more general practitioners (GPs) across the country, including in Essex, which will increase capacity and take pressure off those currently working in the system. NHS England is working to address training bottlenecks so the health service has enough staff for the future, and we are providing £82 million to fund the recruitment of over 1,000 newly qualified GPs, via the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, so patients can get the care they need.The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board advises that there are currently 30 GPs on its Enhanced GP Fellowship Scheme, developed to support GP retention and recruitment. Additional fellowship opportunities, both portfolio and core, are due to launch in December 2024. A GP Fellowship Scheme is in place in Thurrock to specifically increase GP recruitment in the area. There has been an increase in the number of training practices, and Mid and South Essex now has 207 educators and 80 Training Practices.