Written questions by Shannon.

How rare and neglected diseases are prioritised in research funding allocations.

Government responsibility for delivering research into rare diseases is shared between the Department of Health and Social Care, with research delivered via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK Research and Innovation, which includes the Medical Research Council (MRC).The Department of Health and Social Care invests over £1.7 billion each year on research through the NIHR, including research on rare diseases, such as the RareCare study which aims to better understand what causes delays to diagnosis so we can take steps to address this.The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases through the UK Rare Diseases Framework. Pioneering research is an underpinning theme of the framework. In the 2025 England Rare Disease Action Plan we introduced a new action to support rare disease research through changes to clinical trial regulations. For rare disease research, where patient populations are small and trial designs often complex, the flexibility and proportionality of this framework will enable more efficient set-up and conduct of clinical trials. We have also made significant investments to support rare disease research. This includes the Rare Disease Research UK Platform, a £14 million investment over five years from the MRC and the NIHR, announced in 2023, which is now established and positioned well within the rare disease research landscape. Further information the Rare Disease Research UK Platform is available at the following link:https://rd-research.org.uk/nodes/

What measures are in place to support those recovering from long-term COVID-related condition.

The Government is aware that post-acute infection conditions, such as Long Covid, can have a devastating effect on those who suffer from them. We are committed to taking a comprehensive and compassionate approach to supporting individuals with post-acute infection conditions such as Long Covid, recognising the unique challenges these conditions present.NHS England has invested significantly in supporting people with Long Covid. This includes setting up specialist post- Covid, or Long Covid, services nationwide for adults, and children and young people, and investing in ensuring general practice teams are equipped to support people affected by the condition.Since April 2024, in line with the National Health Service operating framework and the establishment of integrated care systems, commissioning of post-COVID services has been the responsibility of local integrated care boards to meet the needs of their population, subject to local prioritisation and funding.Where referral into a Long Covid service is not possible, for example because a service has closed or is due to close, general practitioners can refer patients into other appropriate existing NHS pathways, depending on their clinical needs.To support clinical leadership in this area, NHS England worked in partnership with the British Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine to establish the International Post Covid and Post Infection Conditions Society to facilitate the ongoing sharing of best practice to support people affected by Long Covid.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes; what steps his Department and NHS England are taking to improve OSA diagnosis and treatment; and whether his Department plans to recognise OSA as a cardiovascular risk factor within the upcoming CVD Modern Service Framework.

Well-established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as smoking, excess weight, diabetes, and heart failure are also associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and the Government is taking wide-ranging action to tackle these underlying risk factors. This includes delivering a smokefree generation through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, expanding access to weight management support through National Health Services, and investing in prevention and treatment programmes such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme and the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which support people to reduce their risk of developing CVD and related conditions.As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will publish a new CVD Modern Service Framework (CVD MSF) this spring. The CVD MSF will focus on the interventions that will have the greatest impact on reducing premature mortality from heart disease and stroke in the next decade, whilst supporting consistent, high quality, and equitable care across the CVD pathway.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the report by Euroqol entitled the EQ-5D-5L value set for the United Kingdom, published on 13 March 2026 on the suitability of the UK as an early launch market for non-oncology medicines with a quality-of-life benefit but no survival benefit.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is planning to adopt the EQ-5D-5L and has opened a consultation on the proposed changes to its guidance development manuals.The consultation opened on 15 April and includes the proposed changes to NICE’s guidance development manuals and the results of two impact assessments, looking at how the EQ-5D-5L value set might affect:the outputs of the cost-effectiveness models that NICE uses in its evaluations, including estimates of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios; andthe number of decisions qualifying for the severity modifier, and how it changes absolute and proportional QALY shortfall estimates.NICE has also considered the potential impact of these proposed method changes on equalities and health inequalities, and it is inviting views on its conclusions.

What assessment his Department has made of the implications for his Department's policies of the document published by Euroqol entitled EQ5D-5L value set for the United Kingdom, published on 13 March 2026.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is planning to adopt the EQ-5D-5L and has opened a consultation on the proposed changes to its guidance development manuals.The consultation opened on 15 April and includes the proposed changes to NICE’s guidance development manuals and the results of two impact assessments, looking at how the EQ-5D-5L value set might affect:the outputs of the cost-effectiveness models that NICE uses in its evaluations, including estimates of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios; andthe number of decisions qualifying for the severity modifier, and how it changes absolute and proportional QALY shortfall estimates.NICE has also considered the potential impact of these proposed method changes on equalities and health inequalities, and it is inviting views on its conclusions.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of NICE's adoption of the EQ-5D-5L value set on the price of medicines with a quality of life benefit and no survival; and whether he plans to take steps to ensure that access to medicines which support workforce participation and productivity is not adversely affected.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is planning to adopt the EQ-5D-5L and has opened a consultation on the proposed changes to its guidance development manuals.The consultation opened on 15 April and includes the proposed changes to NICE’s guidance development manuals and the results of two impact assessments, looking at how the EQ-5D-5L value set might affect:the outputs of the cost-effectiveness models that NICE uses in its evaluations, including estimates of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios; andthe number of decisions qualifying for the severity modifier, and how it changes absolute and proportional QALY shortfall estimates.NICE has also considered the potential impact of these proposed method changes on equalities and health inequalities, and it is inviting views on its conclusions.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the report published by Euroqol entitled EQ-5D-5L value set for the United Kingdom, published on 13 March 2026, on the ability of patients to access non-oncology medicines that improve quality of life but do not extend survival.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is planning to adopt the EQ-5D-5L and has opened a consultation on the proposed changes to its guidance development manuals.The consultation opened on 15 April and includes the proposed changes to NICE’s guidance development manuals and the results of two impact assessments, looking at how the EQ-5D-5L value set might affect:the outputs of the cost-effectiveness models that NICE uses in its evaluations, including estimates of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios; andthe number of decisions qualifying for the severity modifier, and how it changes absolute and proportional QALY shortfall estimates.NICE has also considered the potential impact of these proposed method changes on equalities and health inequalities, and it is inviting views on its conclusions.

How the NHS supports carers of patients with uncommon disabilities.

The Government fully recognises the vital role of unpaid carers in supporting individuals with uncommon and complex disabilities and remains committed to ensuring they have the support they need.The National Health Service works closely with local authorities and the voluntary sector to identify carers and provide a range of support, including carers’ assessments, respite care, and access to mental health services. For those caring for people with rare or complex conditions, access to specialist NHS services, alongside coordinated and personalised care plans, helps ensure that both patient and carer needs are met.Through the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, we are strengthening personalised care and improving how carers are identified and signposted to support, including identifying them through community services and specialist charities. The plan also sets out that, from 2026/27, through a new ‘MyCarer’ section to the NHS App, unpaid carers will be able to access medical records, test results, and online prescriptions for the person they care for, with consent, supporting them in their caring role.

What steps his Department is taking to provide end-of-life palliative care in rural areas.

Everyone should have access to high-quality, compassionate palliative care and end of life care, regardless of where they live.In England, integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning palliative care and end of life care services to meet the needs of their local populations, including those in rural and remote areas. To support ICBs in meeting this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications.NHS England has also developed a palliative care and end of life care dashboard, which brings together all relevant local data in one place. The dashboard helps commissioners understand the palliative care and end of life care needs of their local population, enabling ICBs to put plans in place to address and track the improvement of health inequalities.Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Policy Research Unit in Palliative and End of Life Care has been recently extended for a further two years to run to the end of 2028, delivering high-quality policy research to help improve palliative care and end of life care, and tackle inequalities.Through our modern service framework, we will closely monitor the shift towards the strategic commissioning of palliative care and end of life care services to ensure that services reduce variation in access and quality.

What steps his Department is taking to support schools to recognise early signs of rare mental health disorders.

We recognise the importance of early intervention for children and young people’s mental health, which is why we are accelerating the rollout of Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) in schools and colleges in England.MHSTs are transforming access to mental health support for children and young people by bringing skilled, trusted professionals directly into schools, where support can be delivered early and effectively to make the greatest difference. They offer a clear route to practical help and, where signs of rare mental health disorders are recognised, ensure children and young people are identified quickly and signposted to the specialist care they need.MHSTs represent a step-change in how we look after children’s mental health and wellbeing, so that it is proactive, preventative, and rooted in the places young people trust. Up to 900,000 additional children and young people will have access to a National Health Service funded MHST in their school or college by spring 2026, and with full national coverage by 2029, MHSTs will create a universal foundation of mental health support across England’s schools.

How food safety inspections are enforced in small businesses.

Food safety legislation, and the Food Law Code of Practice (England) (the Code) places a statutory duty on competent authorities to undertake official food controls that verify whether food businesses, including small and microbusinesses, comply with relevant food law requirements.Food safety official controls are carried out by appropriately authorised officers from local authorities and port health authorities. These are competent authorities and use a range of statutory powers set out in food legislation.Officers assess compliance with legal requirements by observing and discussing food handling practices, hygiene conditions, and by examining food safety management systems. Where noncompliance is identified, officers determine the most appropriate and proportionate course of action, taking account of the seriousness of the issue and any potential public health risk. This may include providing advice, issuing written requirements, or taking more formal enforcement action where necessary.

What guidance is given to local authorities on supporting carers’ mental health.

In England, local authorities are required by the Care Act 2014 to undertake carers assessments to support people caring for their family and friends who appear to have a need for support at their request. As stipulated in the Care and Support Statutory Guidance, a carer’s mental health must be considered when considering whether a carer has eligible needs.The Government is making over £4.6 billion of additional funding available for adult social care in 2028/29 compared to 2025/26, to support the sector in making improvements. Part of this includes an increase to the National Health Service contribution to adult social care via the Better Care Fund. The Better Care Fund includes funding that can be used for carer support, including short breaks and respite services. Local areas determine how the money is best used to support carers, depending on local need and with reference to their statutory responsibilities, but this can certainly include support for carers’ mental health. Adults, including carers, who need support with common mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies or be referred by their general practitioner. As part of the 10-Year Health Plan, we are expanding Talking Therapies so that 915,000 people complete a course of treatment by March 2029.

What recent assessment he has made of whether rural hospitals have adequate access to specialist medical equipment.

No specific assessment has been made. National Health Service providers, working with integrated care boards, are responsible for delivering NHS healthcare services that meet the needs of their local populations. This includes the medical equipment needed to deliver those services.

What guidance is provided to GPs on faith-sensitive medical care.

All United Kingdom registered doctors are expected to meet the professional standards set out in the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice. The standards cover personal beliefs and medical practice, and set out that in assessing a patient’s conditions and taking a history, doctors should take account of spiritual, religious, social, and cultural factors, as well as their clinical history and symptoms.The training curriculum for postgraduate trainee doctors is set by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and has to meet the standards set by the General Medical Council. The RCGP curriculum includes content on ‘demonstrating the holistic mindset of a generalist medical practitioner’, which covers spirituality and cultural factors.

Whether his Department plans to expand community-based rehabilitation services for people recovering from long-term respiratory illnesses.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) services that meet the needs of their local populations, including delivery in community settings. To improve referral rates for PR, NHS England has issued guidance to ICBs on strengthening PR workforce capacity, ensuring safe staffing levels, and developing accessible service models to reduce health inequalities. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/pulmonary-rehabilitation-workforce/

Whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of the availability of specialist nurses for neurological conditions in rural areas.

Workforce planning, including decisions about the number and type of specialist nurses needed locally, is the responsibility of individual employers and their integrated care boards, which are best placed to assess the needs of their populations.We continue to work with NHS England through programmes like Getting It Right First Time to support improvements in access to specialist care for patients with neurological conditions. We have also set up the United Kingdom‑wide Neuro Forum, which brings together the Department, NHS England, the devolved administrations, and the health services and Neurological Alliances of all four nations, to share best practice and address system-wide challenges, including neurology workforce challenges.The Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan to set out action to create a workforce ready to deliver the transformed service set out in the 10-Year Health Plan. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will ensure the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it. We are working through how the plan will articulate the changes for different professional groups.

What recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of regional variations in waiting times for diagnostic imaging appointments.

No recent assessment has been made of trends in the level of regional variations in waiting times for diagnostic imaging appointments.We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and are supporting the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity to bring down the size of the list and reduce waiting times, including for imaging diagnostic tests.

What steps he is taking to increase awareness of early screening for cardiovascular disease among people under 40.

This Government is focused on increasing awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people aged under 40 years old by targeting key risk factors for disease through prevention and behavioural change. The National Health Service website includes a Better Health section which offers advice, tools and apps to support small, achievable behavioural changes such as increasing physical activity through the Couch to 5k app and guidance on how to quit smoking. Behavioural support services such as smoking cessation and weight management are also available locally for those who need them.There is no national CVD screening programme in England for people aged under 40 years old. Cardiovascular risk increases significantly with age, which is why the NHS Health Check is offered to eligible adults aged between 40 and 74 years old. The NHS Health Check is a core component of England’s CVD prevention programme and aims to detect people at risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease and refer them to further support through behavioural interventions, clinical assessment and treatment where appropriate.

Whether his Department plans to introduce a community-based audiology service for adults to improve access to assessment and treatment.

Community health services are a fundamental part of the health and care system and an essential building block in developing a neighbourhood health service. Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for the provision and commissioning of community health services, including audiology, to meet the needs of their local populations.However, we know people are waiting too long to access audiology services. For the first time, we have set a clear target through the Medium Term Planning Framework, for systems to work to, in order to reduce long waits for community health services. By 2028/29 at least 80% of community health services activity should take place within 18 weeks. This includes community audiology services. This will be a key part of the shift from hospital to community. In 2025, we published, for the first time, an overview of the core community health services, Standardising Community Health Services, that ICBs should consider when planning for their local populations to support improved commissioning and delivery of community health services, a vital part of neighbourhood health. It provides a baseline standard to ensure consistent delivery of community services, including audiology services, supporting effective commissioning and improved patient access. Further guidance was published in February 2026, providing more detailed descriptions of community audiology services for ICBs. We are also committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity, including for audiology services for adults with age-related hearing loss. NHS England is supporting provider organisations and ICBs who are the commissioners of audiology services to improve performance and reduce waiting lists for appointments and assessments for hearing services. This includes capital investment to upgrade audiology facilities in NHS trusts, expanding audiology testing capacity via community diagnostic centres, and direct support through a national audiology improvement collaborative.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the radioisotope supply disruption in late 2024 on patients.

The 2024 disruption was caused by the required closures of a number of reactors used to supply the United Kingdom and Europe. In response to this shortage, the Department worked closely with suppliers, the National Health Service, the British Nuclear Medicine Society, the UK Radiopharmacy Group, and the devolved administrations to ensure that the limited available supplies were shared equitably and that patients with the most critical needs were prioritised. A National Patient Safety Alert was issued providing guidance to radiopharmacy units on how to manage affected patients.