Written questions by McMahon.

What discussions has he had with Northern Care Alliance on capital funding for additional parking at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has not held discussions with the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust regarding capital funding for additional parking at the Royal Oldham Hospital. Decisions on the provision and capital funding of car parking are made locally by National Health Service organisations. The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust has been allocated over £211 million in operational capital funding for the 2026/27 to 2029/30 period. In addition, the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board has been allocated over £18 million for this period. This funding may be utilised for additional parking at the Royal Oldham Hospital where this is a local priority.

What plans are in place to build medium and long term NHS directly provided capacity to increase appointments in (a) diagnostic tests and (b) elective treatment.

As set out in the Plan for Change, we are committed to returning by March 2029 to the National Health Service constitutional standard that 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to consultant-led treatment. Increasing surgical and diagnostic capacity is a key part of our plan to deliver this ambition.We are providing additional diagnostic and elective capacity through a mixture of investments in new equipment and facilities in acute hospitals and community settings, as well as improving utilising and the productivity of our existing assets.Dedicated and protected surgical hubs transform the way the NHS provides elective care by focusing on providing high volume, low complexity surgery, as recommended by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. There are currently 123 operational surgical hubs across England, 23 of which have opened since the Government took office. We will expand the number of hubs over the next three years to increase surgical capacity and deliver faster access to common procedures.Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) provide a broad range of elective diagnostics away from acute facilities, reducing pressure on hospitals and giving patients quicker and more convenient access to tests. CDCs are now delivering additional tests and checks on 170 sites across the country. We will expand existing CDCs, as well as building up to five new ones in 2025/26. We are also committed to opening CDCs 12 hours per day, seven days a week.This is supported by £6 billion of additional capital investment over five years for diagnostic, elective, urgent, and emergency capacity in the NHS. This includes £1.65 billion of capital funding in 2025/26 to deliver new surgical hubs, diagnostic scanners, and beds to increase capacity for elective and emergency care.We will create an NHS fit for the future, modernising care so that it takes place efficiently and closer to home, prioritising patient experience and ensuring that wherever you live in England, you will be seen, diagnosed, and treated in a timely way.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of cancelled appointments as a result of strike action in the NHS since July 2024.

The National Health Service met its ambitious goal to maintain 95% of planned care during the November round of strike action, surpassing the 93% protected during action in July, while still maintaining critical services, including maternity services and urgent cancer care. Cancellations have reduced across successive periods of strikes. As a result of industrial action:there were 61,989 elective procedures and appointments rescheduled between 27 June and 1 July;there were 54,095 elective procedures and appointments rescheduled between 25 July and 29 July; andthere were 38,961 elective procedures and appointments rescheduled between 14 November to 18 November.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of inpatient mental health capacity in Greater Manchester; and what discussions he has had with Pennine Care NHS Trust on that issue.

No such specific assessment has been made. The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership is responsible for commissioning National Health Service mental health inpatient beds to meet the needs of the local population across Greater Manchester. Neither ministers nor departmental officials have held discussions with the Pennine Care NHS Trust on that issue.Nationally, our ambition is to avoid unnecessary admissions to mental health inpatient services and provide care close to home, including alternatives to admission. The 10-Year Health Plan sets out our plans to transform mental health services to improve access and treatment, and to promote good mental health and wellbeing for the nation. This includes piloting neighbourhood mental health centres, which will bring together a range of community mental health services under one roof, including crisis services and short-stay beds.In addition, all integrated care boards (ICBs) were asked to publish a three-year plan to localise and realign mental health, learning disability, and autism inpatient care. The Greater Manchester ICB shared their plan at their public board on 20 November 2024. The plan commits to making the best use of resource and reducing reliance on inpatient care, so that more people can access care and support for their mental health, as and when they need it.We will move care closer to home by reducing out of area placements for mental health patients by March 2027, as outlined in the medium-term planning framework. We will also use new integrated health organisations to break down barriers between services and ensure more integrated, holistic care, addressing both physical and mental health care needs, with more freedom to determine how best to meet the needs of their local populations.

What assessment he has made of possible generational links to suicide; and what support is available to children of people who have taken their own lives.

The Government has not made an assessment of possible generational links to suicide. The Suicide Prevention Strategy for England, published in 2023, identifies eight priority groups, including children and young people, for targeted and tailored support at a national level. Another key priority area is to improve support for people bereaved by suicide. The purpose of the Suicide Prevention Strategy is to set out our aims to prevent suicide through action by working across Government and other organisations. One of the key visions of the strategy is to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health, so people feel able to seek help through the routes that work best for them. This includes raising awareness that no suicide is inevitable. The Government is expanding access to mental health support teams in all schools and colleges to reach all pupils by 2029, ensuring that every pupil has access to early support services. This expansion will ensure that up to 900,000 more children and young people will have access to support from trained education mental health practitioners in 2025/26.

What estimate he has made of the number of cancelled annual leave days as a result of strike action in the NHS since July 2024.

The Department has made no estimate of the number of cancelled annual leave days as a result of strike action in the National Health Service. Information is not held centrally on the level of cancellation of annual leave of NHS staff, including for the reason of cover of staff who are undertaking industrial action.Our priority is to keep patients as safe as possible during any industrial action. The NHS makes every effort through rigorous contingency planning to minimise the disruption of industrial action and its impact on patients and the public. Assessments are made by local Trusts about levels of resourcing available, and they can escalate concerns via regions and nationally, where appropriate.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of professional accreditation of home care workers on levels of recruitment and retention; and what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on this issue.

There are beneficial effects of accredited qualifications and structured learning on the recruitment and retention of care workers. Skills for Care data shows that turnover rates are approximately 10% lower for staff who hold a relevant qualification compared to those without. Additionally, staff who received more than 30 instances of training evidenced a turnover rate 3.4% lower than those who recorded only one to five instances, with further information available in Skills for Care’s the ‘State of’ report at the following link:https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Adult-Social-Care-Workforce-Data/workforceintelligence/Reports-and-visualisations/National-information/The-State-of-report.aspxThe Department introduced the Care Workforce Pathway, the first universal career structure for adult social care, which sets out clear skills, and progression routes to help retain staff and attract newcomers by recognising care workers as professionals and promoting development opportunities.Additionally, we launched the Learning and Development Support Scheme, which provides funding support for training, including recognised qualifications like the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate, which provides a portable, recognised foundation of skills and knowledge, aiming to reduce duplication of training and increase retention. Furthermore, the Quality Assured Care Learning Service ensures training is high-quality, meets sector needs, and supports career growth.

Whether he plans to prevent NHS trusts from generating surpluses from car parking income charged to staff, patients and visitors.

Free National Health Service hospital carparking is in place for in-need groups. This includes disabled blue badger holders, frequent outpatient attenders, parents of children staying overnight, and NHS staff working overnight.Car parking charges, where they do exist, are a significant control mechanism within trusts to manage capacity as there are a limited number of car parking spaces available for patients and staff. The income from car parking is primarily used to pay for the cost of running the car park, for example security and maintenance costs. Any surplus income is re-invested in NHS services.All trusts are expected to follow the published NHS Car Parking Guidance. This states that where car parking charges do exist, they should be reasonable for the area. The guidance is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-patient-visitor-and-staff-car-parking-principles/nhs-patient-visitor-and-staff-car-parking-principles

What assessment has been made of trends in complaints and compensation payments for unacceptable standards of maternity care since 2015.

As assessment has not been made of the trends in complaints for unacceptable standards of maternity care. The rising costs of clinical negligence claims against the National Health Service in England is, however, of great concern to the Government.A report published by the National Audit office (NAO) on 17 October 2025 stated that "over the last 20 years the cost of settling claims involving infants and children has increased significantly. Between 2006/07 and 2024/25, the total cost for obstetrics claims involving cerebral palsy or brain damage increased by over £1 billion in real terms, with average compensation for claims settled with damages growing by 305% (from £2.8 million to £11.2 million)”. The report can be viewed at the following link:https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/costs-of-clinical-negligence/#downloadsAs announced in the 10-Year Health Plan for England, David Lock KC is providing expert policy advice on the rising legal costs of clinical negligence and how we can improve patients’ experience of claims, which will inform future policy making in this area. No decisions on policy have been taken at this point, and the Government will provide an update on the work done and next steps in due course.Baroness Amos is leading a rapid, independent investigation into NHS Maternity and Neonatal services to help us understand the systemic issues behind why so many women, babies, and families experience unacceptable care. The investigation will look into the maternity and neonatal system nationally, bringing together the findings of past reviews into one clear national set of recommendations. This will also include local investigations of maternity and neonatal services in selected trusts.On 9 December, Baroness Amos published reflections on what she has heard so far as part of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, following engagement with women and families. Baroness Amos’ reflections and initial findings can be found at the following link:https://www.matneoinv.org.uk/

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of public service response to support for missing from home dementia patients.

Tackling this issue requires a multi-agency response and co-ordination across a range of policies and operational partners including the health care sector, local authorities and the police.The provision of specific dementia health care services is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs). We expect ICBs to commission services based on local population needs, taking account of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.Many police forces are now participating in the Herbert Protocol, with partner agencies, to assist in locating missing vulnerable people living with dementia. The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme by police forces in partnership with other agencies which encourages carers to compile useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person, living with dementia, going missing. Carers, family members and friends can complete in advance, a form recording vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc. In the event of a person going missing this information can then easily be provided to the police to assist them in searching for the person, saving valuable time.The Government is harnessing digital technology to transform adult social care, helping people to stay independent in their homes, joining up services and improving the quality of care provided.In January, ministers announced immediate steps the Department is taking to improve adult social care. These reforms build upon progress over the last four years to drive adoption of digital social care records by registered care providers to 80%, from a start point of 41% in December 2021, and to test, scale and evaluate innovative care technologies.In the next year, the Government will set new national standards for care technologies and produce trusted guidance, so that people can confidently buy and use technology which supports them or the people they care for.

What assessment has been made of the potential impact on in-patients of charging in hospitals for TV, WiFi and telephone services.

No assessment has been made centrally of the potential impact on in-patients of charging in hospitals for television, WiFi, and telephone services.National Health Service providers are locally responsible for the provision of bedside television and similar services, including the charges for them. If patients do not wish to or are unable to afford the cost of the bedside television, they should still be able to watch the free to view television via their own devices and local hospital Wi-Fi, or in the hospital day rooms or communal areas.

Whether the Government has considered the potential merits of a national bulk buying energy contract for GP practices in England.

General practices (GPs) are run by independent contractors and are commissioned by integrated care boards to provide National Health Services primary medical services. Decisions around energy contracts are devolved to individual practices.Practices’ arrangements for utilities. such as gas and electricity, vary depending on the basis or terms of each practice’s occupation of its premises. For example, some GPs have flexibility to choose energy contracts, whereas others lease premises inclusive of utilities, or pay a service charge including energy costs, where the landlord or property manager determines the energy suppliers.Where GPs occupy NHS owned estate, GPs may benefit from any centralised energy purchasing initiatives the Government has put in place, such as Supply of Energy 2.

What steps he is taking to modernise whole system appointments to (a) improve patient access and (b) avoid missed appointments.

Digital transformation is revolutionising access to healthcare by putting patients at the centre of a modern, personalised, and data-driven service. The goal is to empower individuals with greater choice, transparency, and control over their care, while helping to reduce systemic health inequalities and drive digital modernisation across the National Health Service.There are a range of changes that improve patient access to appointments and avoid missed appointments. Steps that we are taking to improve access include:enabling patients in England to submit online consultation submissions for help from their general practitioners (GPs) via the NHS App or their GP’s website. In October 2025, eight million online consultation submissions were made;rolling out cloud-based telephony to GP services, improving access via phone lines for those who struggle with digital solutions. This includes time-saving features such as call-backs and diversion into specialist services. These changes are already reducing call waiting times and improving patient experience;improving the ability to manage conditions outside GPs to support more timely access to care, including through Pharmacy First and Digital Referrals initiatives; andoffering outpatient electronic referrals through the NHS App with 100% of acute trusts now offering first outpatient electronic referrals through the NHS App, with 89% allowing patients to manage follow up appointments too, with 100% expected in 2026.To avoid missed appointment we sent over 130 million appointment invitations and reminders via the NHS App in the last year, replacing paper letters and reducing delays. Digital reminders and the ability for patients to reschedule at the swipe of a button are helping to cut Did Not Attend rates, supporting elective recovery, and improving GP access. Analysis shows that these measures are contributing to reductions in hospital waiting lists and improving patient satisfaction.

What steps he is taking to improve the (a) effectiveness and (b) timeliness of patient referrals between organisations in the NHS.

We’re improving referral processing by introducing a Single Point of Access model, which will provide consistent clinical triage and use digital solutions to streamline processes and reduce duplication. This will ensure patients are directed to the right care quickly.To support general practitioners and avoid delays, we’re introducing national standards for response times and guidance to underpin clinical triage and advice quality. These will be monitored locally by integrated care boards and reviewed regularly.The NHS App also already allows people to book and manage their secondary care referrals in 100% of acute trusts, with 89% allowing patients to manage follow up appointments too, with 100% expected in 2026.

What assessment he has made of the trends in the levels of life expectancy in (a) England, (b) Greater Manchester and (c) Oldham; and what progress is being made to improve outcomes.

Life expectancy estimates for England and sub-national areas are produced by the Office for National Statistics and are available at the following link:https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthandlifeexpectancies/bulletins/lifeexpectancyforlocalareasoftheuk/between2001to2003and2022to2024Following falls in 2020, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, life expectancy has since increased for both sexes in England, Greater Manchester, and Oldham. For both sexes, life expectancy in each of these areas in 2024 was similar to pre-pandemic estimates for 2019. Life expectancy in Greater Manchester and Oldham remains significantly lower than in England.The Government is committed to addressing health inequalities through a comprehensive, long-term, and collaborative approach, rooted in the priorities outlined in the Government's 10-Year Health Plan. This includes an ambition to halve the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest regions, while raising healthy life expectancy for everyone. Central to this is a shift from treating illness to prioritising prevention, thereby ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or financial circumstance, has the opportunity for better health outcomes.

Whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of community dementia services in England.

The provision of dementia health care services is the responsibility of local integrated care boards (ICBs). We expect ICBs to commission services based on local population needs, taking account of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.We will deliver the first ever modern service framework for frailty and dementia to deliver rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, expected in 2026. The Frailty and Dementia Modern Service Framework will seek to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia, and will set national standards for dementia care and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best possible care and support.

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of winter capacity in (a) all Greater Manchester hospitals and (b) Royal Oldham Hospital.

We continue to monitor the impact of winter pressures on the National Health Service over the winter months.The Department is continuing to take key steps to ensure the health service is prepared for the colder months. This includes taking actions to try and reduce demand pressure on accident and emergency departments, increasing vaccination rates, and offering health checks to the most vulnerable, as well as stress-testing integrated care boards and trust winter plans to ensure they include a focus on reducing bed occupancy ahead of Christmas, creating additional capacity and improving patient flow.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the network of publicly available defibrillators; whether there are any blackspots; and what steps he is taking to help ensure that all areas have access to defibrillators.

The Department’s Community Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Fund delivered 3,080 new AEDs to local communities between September 2023 and February 2025. These AEDs were prioritised for areas of greatest need. This included 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.The Government’s position is that local communities are best placed to make decisions about procuring, locating, and maintaining AEDs. Over 110,000 defibrillators are registered in the United Kingdom on The Circuit, the independent AED database. Over 30,000 of these have been added in the past two years, many as a result of local community led action.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Hospice at Home programme delivered by hospices such as Dr Kershaw’s in Oldham on patients.

Charitable hospices are independent, autonomous organisations that provide a wide range of services, many of which go beyond what statutory services are legally required to be delivered. Therefore, the Government does not collect or assess data on these services.Palliative care services are included in the list of services an integrated care board (ICB) must commission. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications. The statutory guidance states that ICBs must work to ensure that there is sufficient provision of care services to meet the needs of their local populations, which can include hospice services, delivered both in inpatient units and in people’s homes, available within the ICB catchment.The Government is developing a Palliative Care and End of Life Care Modern Service Framework for England. I refer the Hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement HCWS1087 I gave to the House on 24 November 2025.

What assessment he has made of recent trends in the level of blood donations by blood type.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is responsible for blood services in England. Since the amber alert for O group blood was lifted in July 2025, overall collections have remained strong, reaching 98% of the collection target, with an average of 119,500 units per month of blood collected, compared to 116,700 per month in the six months prior.NHSBT still faces challenges in maintaining stocks of B-, O-, and Ro blood groups. NHSBT currently meets approximately 50% of the demand for Ro type blood, with the remaining demand met by safely substituting, typically with B- and O-. This places further pressure on stocks for these groups.NHSBT has recently opened new donor centres and expanded the number of donation appointments available to grow its Ro, B-, and O- donor base and increase collections for these blood groups. Up-to-date blood stock statuses are available on NHSBT’s website at the following link:https://hospital.blood.co.uk/business-continuity/blood-stocks