Written questions by Anderson.

What steps he is taking to encourage people to seek help in the early stages of hearing loss.

National Health Service audiology services are locally commissioned, and the responsibility for meeting the needs of non-hearing people lies with local NHS commissioners.We expect local commissioning to be informed by the best available evidence, relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, and guidance issued by NHS England. In 2015, NHS England published The Action Plan on Hearing Loss which sets out key objectives on hearing loss including, prevention, early diagnosis, maximising independence, and enabling people to take part in every-day activities. In 2018, NICE issued the guidance, Hearing loss in adults: assessment and management, which aims to improve hearing loss services. The NHS also provides information on hearing loss online, at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss/This includes a link to a free online hearing test from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, signposting to services and, for those having hearing loss, things to help communicate with others and to avoid more damage to hearing.

What steps his Department is taking to help support research into hearing loss treatment.

The Department delivers research into hearing loss via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).This includes, for example, £2.4 million of NIHR funding for a study that will compare giving adults with severe hearing loss implants in both ears versus just one ear to inform future guidance.As well as funding research itself, the Department invests significantly in centres of excellence and collaborations, services, and facilities to enable development and delivery of research in England. This includes the NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs), which drive innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ill-health through early phase translational research. Several of the NIHR BRCs have hearing health themes, supporting a broad range of research into hearing loss treatment, including drug discovery, gene and cell therapies, and regenerative approaches targeting inner ear damage.The NIHR continues to welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including hearing loss.

What steps his Department is taking to support research into alopecia.

The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care including alopecia. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved/suggest-a-research-topicThe NIHR provides an online service called Be Part of Research, which promotes participation in health and social care research by allowing users to search for relevant studies and register their interest. There are currently several studies supported by Be Part of Research focusing on alopecia, with further information available at the following link:https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

What steps he is taking to improve the provision of NHS audiology services in Ashfield constituency.

We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity to bring down the size of the list and reduce waiting times, including for audiology.The Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are taking a number of steps to improve the provision of audiology services. These include the building of a new soundproof booth to boost testing capacity and transforming some paediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) pathways for direct audiology follow-ups. The trust is also improving ENT triage to ensure that patients with potential hearing loss are seen and assessed as soon as possible.Waiting times for NHS audiology appointments are captured across a number of different data publications. Monthly diagnostics waiting times and activity data for 15 key diagnostic tests and procedures, including audiology assessments, is published at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/As of the end of December 2025, the latest available data, only three of 501 waits, or 0.6%, for an audiology assessment at the Ashfield constituency’s local NHS trust, the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, were waiting more than six weeks. That’s better than the NHS constitutional standard of 1% and the national average of 45.5%. Since the end of June 2024, audiology assessment performance has improved by 25% in the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB. The following table shows audiology assessment performance at the local trust, local ICB, and national level:AreaPercentage of audiology assessment waits of over six weeks in June 2024Percentage of audiology assessment waits of over six weeks in December 2025 (latest available data)Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust0.4%0.6%NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB63.4%38.4%England44.9%45.5% Data is also published on community health services waiting lists, which includes waiting times for community audiology services. This is published at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/community-health-services-waiting-lists/

How long the waiting times are for an NHS audiology appointment in (a) Ashfield constituency, (b) Nottinghamshire and (c) England.

We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity to bring down the size of the list and reduce waiting times, including for audiology.The Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are taking a number of steps to improve the provision of audiology services. These include the building of a new soundproof booth to boost testing capacity and transforming some paediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) pathways for direct audiology follow-ups. The trust is also improving ENT triage to ensure that patients with potential hearing loss are seen and assessed as soon as possible.Waiting times for NHS audiology appointments are captured across a number of different data publications. Monthly diagnostics waiting times and activity data for 15 key diagnostic tests and procedures, including audiology assessments, is published at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/As of the end of December 2025, the latest available data, only three of 501 waits, or 0.6%, for an audiology assessment at the Ashfield constituency’s local NHS trust, the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, were waiting more than six weeks. That’s better than the NHS constitutional standard of 1% and the national average of 45.5%. Since the end of June 2024, audiology assessment performance has improved by 25% in the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB. The following table shows audiology assessment performance at the local trust, local ICB, and national level:AreaPercentage of audiology assessment waits of over six weeks in June 2024Percentage of audiology assessment waits of over six weeks in December 2025 (latest available data)Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust0.4%0.6%NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB63.4%38.4%England44.9%45.5% Data is also published on community health services waiting lists, which includes waiting times for community audiology services. This is published at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/community-health-services-waiting-lists/

What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the cost of women's hair systems.

Individual National Health Service trusts are responsible for the provision of information and advice for patients about hair loss services.NHS England does not collect information centrally about these services but expects there to be clear pathways around hair loss services in each NHS trust, including preventative care, such as scalp cooling, and psychological support around hair loss, and signposting to wig suppliers. The current NHS Supply Chain Wigs Framework Agreement was awarded to 42 suppliers and provides a range of wigs, both real and synthetic, headwear products to provide alternative choice to patients, and maintenance, styling, alteration, and repair services. NHS England also expects NHS trusts to provide workshops such as headscarf tying, and eyebrow/lash make up and care, among other related services. There will also be provision at appropriate NHS trusts for children and young people. NHS.Net provides clear information on what can be provided and what costs are covered for wigs and fabric support, including advice for patients on a low income. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/wigs-and-fabric-supports-on-the-nhs/Cancer charity support centres also provide advice and support on hair loss, including the national charity Cancer Hair Care, with further information available at the following link:https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/

Whether his Department is taking steps to support independent hair salons who offer hair systems for people experiencing hair loss.

Individual National Health Service trusts are responsible for the provision of information and advice for patients about hair loss services.NHS England does not collect information centrally about these services but expects there to be clear pathways around hair loss services in each NHS trust, including preventative care, such as scalp cooling, and psychological support around hair loss, and signposting to wig suppliers. The current NHS Supply Chain Wigs Framework Agreement was awarded to 42 suppliers and provides a range of wigs, both real and synthetic, headwear products to provide alternative choice to patients, and maintenance, styling, alteration, and repair services. NHS England also expects NHS trusts to provide workshops such as headscarf tying, and eyebrow/lash make up and care, among other related services. There will also be provision at appropriate NHS trusts for children and young people. NHS.Net provides clear information on what can be provided and what costs are covered for wigs and fabric support, including advice for patients on a low income. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/wigs-and-fabric-supports-on-the-nhs/Cancer charity support centres also provide advice and support on hair loss, including the national charity Cancer Hair Care, with further information available at the following link:https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/

What steps he is taking to ensure that people experiencing hair loss can access suitable mental health support.

We recognise that hair loss can have a significant emotional impact, and people affected should be able to access appropriate mental health support, if and when they need it.The Government is increasing access to mental health services across the spectrum of need. This includes expanding NHS Talking Therapies, which provide effective treatment for common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and growing Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges to ensure children and young people can receive early support. This is supported by the recruitment of almost 8,000 additional mental health staff, against our target of 8,500 by the end of this Parliament.

What steps he is taking to support people experiencing hair loss from (a) alopecia and (b) cancer treatment.

Individual National Health Service trusts are responsible for the provision of information and advice for patients about hair loss services.NHS England does not collect information centrally about these services but expects there to be clear pathways around hair loss services in each NHS trust, including preventative care, such as scalp cooling, and psychological support around hair loss, and signposting to wig suppliers. The current NHS Supply Chain Wigs Framework Agreement was awarded to 42 suppliers and provides a range of wigs, both real and synthetic, headwear products to provide alternative choice to patients, and maintenance, styling, alteration, and repair services. NHS England also expects NHS trusts to provide workshops such as headscarf tying, and eyebrow/lash make up and care, among other related services. There will also be provision at appropriate NHS trusts for children and young people. NHS.Net provides clear information on what can be provided and what costs are covered for wigs and fabric support, including advice for patients on a low income. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/wigs-and-fabric-supports-on-the-nhs/Cancer charity support centres also provide advice and support on hair loss, including the national charity Cancer Hair Care, with further information available at the following link:https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/

What steps he is taking to make affordable hair systems more available for people experiencing hair loss.

Individual National Health Service trusts are responsible for the provision of information and advice for patients about hair loss services.NHS England does not collect information centrally about these services but expects there to be clear pathways around hair loss services in each NHS trust, including preventative care, such as scalp cooling, and psychological support around hair loss, and signposting to wig suppliers. The current NHS Supply Chain Wigs Framework Agreement was awarded to 42 suppliers and provides a range of wigs, both real and synthetic, headwear products to provide alternative choice to patients, and maintenance, styling, alteration, and repair services. NHS England also expects NHS trusts to provide workshops such as headscarf tying, and eyebrow/lash make up and care, among other related services. There will also be provision at appropriate NHS trusts for children and young people. NHS.Net provides clear information on what can be provided and what costs are covered for wigs and fabric support, including advice for patients on a low income. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/wigs-and-fabric-supports-on-the-nhs/Cancer charity support centres also provide advice and support on hair loss, including the national charity Cancer Hair Care, with further information available at the following link:https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/

What recent discussions his Department has had with cancer charities on supporting people with hair loss accessing hair systems.

The Department and the National Health Service in England acknowledge that some cancer patients may face difficulties with hair loss during treatment.Decisions about the funding and provision of health services are the responsibility of local integrated care boards. NHS Supply Chain has engaged extensively on a national level to thoroughly assess the provision and supply of wigs and related accessories. Collaboration between NHS Supply Chain with industry groups is ongoing to facilitate access to the wigs framework, thereby offering NHS providers a broader selection of products. A key priority throughout this process has been ensuring suitability for individual wearers.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure people do not have to wait to access mental health services.

The 10-Year Health Plan sets out ambitious plans to boost mental health support across the country. This includes transforming mental health services into community-based mental health centres, improving assertive outreach and access to timely mental health care, expanding talking therapies, and giving patients better access to 24/7 support directly through the NHS App. The plan will build on the work that has already begun to bring down waiting lists. This includes providing an extra £688 million in Government funding this year to transform mental health services, in order to hire more staff, deliver more early interventions, and get waiting lists down. Almost 8,000 additional mental health workers have been recruited since July 2025, latest data shows. The latest recruitment milestone means the government has almost reached its target of hiring an additional 8,500 mental health staff, helping get people the care they need so they can get back to work, school and doing what they love.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that children can access specialist mental health support in their community.

For children and young people in distress or struggling with their mental health, fast access to early, high-quality support is critical. Mental health support teams play a key role in this, providing early intervention for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, while also assisting schools to develop a whole-school approach to positive mental health and wellbeing. By spring 2026, up to 900,000 more children and young people will have access to mental health support teams compared to Spring 2025, with full national coverage planned by 2029. This expansion is supported by almost 8,000 additional mental health workers recruited since July 2024.Alongside this, Early Support Hubs provide drop-in mental health support for 11 to 25‑year‑olds without the need for a referral. The Government recently confirmed an additional £7 million funding boost for early support hubs across England, enabling 10,000 additional mental health and wellbeing interventions over the next 12 months. The Government is also establishing the first of 50 Young Futures Hubs to bring local services together within communities and offer early advice and wellbeing support for young people who may not meet thresholds for specialist National Health Service care.Together, these initiatives are expanding timely, local support, reducing the need for escalation to specialist services and helping young people receive the right help at the right time, in the right place.

What steps his Department is taking to increase the availability of walk-in mental health support.

The Government has already taken significant steps to stabilise and improve National Health Service mental health services but there is much more to do. Transforming the system will take time, but we are committed to delivering a new approach to mental health.Six community based Mental Health Centres are now operating across England, in Birmingham, York, Copeland, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, and Sheffield, providing open access to treatment and support for adults with severe mental health needs. The centres intend to improve continuity of care, drive down waits, and reduce inpatient admissions.We are also making £473 million of capital funding available over the next four years, which we encourage systems to invest in new care models such as Mental Health Centres and also new Mental Health Emergency Departments, reducing pressure on busy accident and emergency services and ensuring people have the right support they need in calm and compassionate environments.

What data his Department holds on the adequacy of mental health support in (a) Ashfield constituency and (b) Nottinghamshire.

The Department does not hold specific assessments of the adequacy of mental health support in Ashfield constituency. Mental health services across Nottinghamshire, including Ashfield, are delivered by the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation. The Care Quality Commission’s most recent inspections at the trust found no services rated inadequate and noted strengthened governance and safer care. However, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has made clear that care has fallen short at the trust and expects to see improvements. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has been closely monitoring the implementation of the recommendations from previous Care Quality Commission reports and has committed to meeting the new leadership of the trust once in place.

What procedures are in place to help prevent the inward transmission of diseases to through international airports.

The UK Biological Security Strategy provides the overarching national strategic framework for biological risks.The Public Health Aircraft Regulations (1979) require commanders of incoming aircraft to notify authorities if there is any suspicion of infectious disease. In England, Port Health Authorities and local authorities have statutory responsibility for public health, which includes ensuring that arrangements are in place to help prevent the inward transmission of disease entering their respective ports. An example is monitoring vector control measures such as disinsection, or the measures to kill insect vectors of human disease.In English airports, the authorities appoint Medical Officers responsible for notifying, coordinating, investigating, and responding to public health risks in collaboration with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) regional health protection teams. UKHSA regional health protection teams plan for and respond to incidents for health hazards at ports of entry, supported by the national UKHSA Border Health team. Assessment, treatment, and care of patients is undertaken by the National Health Service through routine pathways.Additional proportionate measures may be put in place in response to significant incidents or outbreaks which are coordinated nationally. Pre-entry screening for tuberculosis (TB) is also compulsory for those who wish to stay in the United Kingdom for over six months and are travelling from a country where TB is common. Information on TB Screening for the UK is published at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-tb-screening-for-the-uk-leaflet/tb-screening-for-the-uk

What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of in person GP appointments.

The Government has committed to guarantee a face-to-face appointment for all those who want one. The National Health Service is clear that general practices must provide face-to-face appointments, alongside remote consultations, and patients’ input into consultation type should be sought and their preferences for face-to-face care respected unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary.We are boosting capacity in general practice so patients can get the appointments they need, including face‑to‑face. We have invested £160 million through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme to bring over 2,000 extra General Practitioners (GPs) into Primary Care Networks, increasing appointment availability across England.We are investing a further £485 million in 2026/27, bringing the total spend on the GP contract to over £13.8 billion and introducing a new practice‑level GP reimbursement scheme. The scheme, worth £292 million, will fund additional GPs or more GP sessions with existing GPs, equivalent to around 1,600 full‑time GPs nationally. This will strengthen capacity, improve access to face-to-face appointments and improve patient satisfaction.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of digital health forms on elderly people's access to health services.

National Health Service organisations must ensure all patients have equitable access to care, and that decisions or policies do not unfairly disadvantage people or lead to an increase in inequalities. All NHS organisations are legally obliged to not discriminate.This means that although we promote digital first services to those who choose to use them, a non-digital solution should be available for those patients who cannot or do not wish to engage digitally, which may include elderly people, to ensure continued, equitable access to care.These non-digital routes must be available for all services provided by NHS organisations.

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure backup energy generators at hospitals are well maintained.

It is the responsibility of each National Health Service provider to have resilience plans and procedures in place. Guidance is provided to the NHS within the Health Technical Memorandum 06 series, namely Health Technical Memorandum 06-01: Electrical services supply and distribution, Health Technical Memorandum 06-02: Electrical safety guidance for low voltage systems, and Health Technical Memorandum 06-03: Electrical safety guidance for high voltage systems, which are all respectively available at the following three links:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/electrical-services-supply-and-distribution-htm-06-01/https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/electrical-safety-guidance-for-low-voltage-systems-htm-06-02/https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/electrical-safety-guidance-for-high-voltage-systems-in-healthcare-premises-htm-06-03/This guidance is for healthcare organisations, defined as organisations that provide or intends to provide healthcare services, and is therefore applicable to primary and secondary care providers.

What data his Department holds on the total percentage of (a) nurses and (b) General Practitioners in the NHS who were trained overseas.

NHS England publishes monthly Hospital and Community Health Services workforce statistics for England which includes data on the self-reported nationality of National Health Service staff, which may not be the same as the country which they trained in but is a good proxy for the level of staff trained overseas. The published information is available at the following link within the file “NHS HCHS Workforce Statistics, Trusts and core organisations – data tables”:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-workforce-statisticsAdditionally, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) publishes data on the percentage of nurses on Nursing and Midwifery Council register by country/region of training. These nurses may work in a range of other settings as well as the NHS. The most recent NMC data is available at the following link:https://www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/reports-and-accounts/registration-statistics/NHS England publishes monthly General Practice workforce statistics for England which includes data on General Practitioners’ country of primary medical qualification aggregated by country of qualification group UK, European Economic Area or elsewhere. This information is available at the following link within the file “Bulletin Tables”:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/general-and-personal-medical-services