Written questions by Anderson.

What steps he is taking to ensure General Practitioners are sufficiently trained on Functional Neurological Disorder.

The Department recognises the need to improve awareness and understanding of functional neurological disorder (FND) across the health system.The Royal College of General Practitioners provides a learning course that includes a dedicated module on recognising and explaining FND, helping general practitioners (GPs) to improve early identification and understanding of the condition. Further support is provided through guidance published by the National Institute for Care Excellence (NICE) on suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral, reference code NG127, which includes detailed recommendations on recognising symptoms commonly present in FND and appropriate referral pathways.NICE also provides a Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS) on FND, offering practical, evidence‑based advice on diagnosis and management, supporting clinicians in distinguishing FND from structural or degenerative neurological disease.FND is also included in a NICE guideline on rehabilitation for chronic neurological disorders and acquired brain injury, reference code NG252, published in October 2025. This further strengthens the evidence base and ensure clinicians have clear, up‑to‑date guidance on assessment and management within a broader neurological context.Together, these resources ensure that health professionals, across primary, secondary, and specialist services, have access to robust, evidence‑based tools to support accurate differentiation between FND and other neurological conditions.GPs are required to undertake continuing professional development to maintain and update their clinical knowledge, and they can access a range of training resources through professional bodies, royal colleges, and National Health Service‑funded education platforms. Decisions about mandatory training requirements are made only where there is a clear and evidence‑based need, and the current approach remains to ensure that GPs have the flexibility to tailor their learning to the needs of their patient populations.

What steps his Department is taking to increase the (a) accessibility and (b) availability of functional MRI scans.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can be taken on standard clinical MRI machines. However, whilst functional MRI requires specialised software to detect blood flow changes, the blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal, and sometimes extra equipment for stimuli, for instance goggles, it uses the same scanner hardware as structural MRI.We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services, including MRI scanners.The 2025 Spending Review confirmed over £6 billion of additional capital investment over five years across new diagnostic, elective, and urgent care capacity. This includes £600 million in capital funding for diagnostics in 2025/26 to support delivery of the NHS performance standards. This funding will deliver replacement of the oldest MRI scanners in community diagnostic centres and acute hospital settings, as well as delivering MRI acceleration software. Business cases for the locations of these are being considered for approval.Capital investment will be targeted to locations where it will enable the additional activity required to deliver the return to referral to treatment and cancer constitutional standards promised, as well as considering local levels of deprivation so that investment supports efforts to reduce health inequalities.

If he will make training on Functional Neurological Disorder mandatory for General Practitioners.

The Department recognises the need to improve awareness and understanding of functional neurological disorder (FND) across the health system.The Royal College of General Practitioners provides a learning course that includes a dedicated module on recognising and explaining FND, helping general practitioners (GPs) to improve early identification and understanding of the condition. Further support is provided through guidance published by the National Institute for Care Excellence (NICE) on suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral, reference code NG127, which includes detailed recommendations on recognising symptoms commonly present in FND and appropriate referral pathways.NICE also provides a Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS) on FND, offering practical, evidence‑based advice on diagnosis and management, supporting clinicians in distinguishing FND from structural or degenerative neurological disease.FND is also included in a NICE guideline on rehabilitation for chronic neurological disorders and acquired brain injury, reference code NG252, published in October 2025. This further strengthens the evidence base and ensure clinicians have clear, up‑to‑date guidance on assessment and management within a broader neurological context.Together, these resources ensure that health professionals, across primary, secondary, and specialist services, have access to robust, evidence‑based tools to support accurate differentiation between FND and other neurological conditions.GPs are required to undertake continuing professional development to maintain and update their clinical knowledge, and they can access a range of training resources through professional bodies, royal colleges, and National Health Service‑funded education platforms. Decisions about mandatory training requirements are made only where there is a clear and evidence‑based need, and the current approach remains to ensure that GPs have the flexibility to tailor their learning to the needs of their patient populations.

What steps he is taking to ensure health professionals are adequately trained on the differences between Functional Neurological Disorder and other neurological conditions.

The Department recognises the need to improve awareness and understanding of functional neurological disorder (FND) across the health system.The Royal College of General Practitioners provides a learning course that includes a dedicated module on recognising and explaining FND, helping general practitioners (GPs) to improve early identification and understanding of the condition. Further support is provided through guidance published by the National Institute for Care Excellence (NICE) on suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral, reference code NG127, which includes detailed recommendations on recognising symptoms commonly present in FND and appropriate referral pathways.NICE also provides a Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS) on FND, offering practical, evidence‑based advice on diagnosis and management, supporting clinicians in distinguishing FND from structural or degenerative neurological disease.FND is also included in a NICE guideline on rehabilitation for chronic neurological disorders and acquired brain injury, reference code NG252, published in October 2025. This further strengthens the evidence base and ensure clinicians have clear, up‑to‑date guidance on assessment and management within a broader neurological context.Together, these resources ensure that health professionals, across primary, secondary, and specialist services, have access to robust, evidence‑based tools to support accurate differentiation between FND and other neurological conditions.GPs are required to undertake continuing professional development to maintain and update their clinical knowledge, and they can access a range of training resources through professional bodies, royal colleges, and National Health Service‑funded education platforms. Decisions about mandatory training requirements are made only where there is a clear and evidence‑based need, and the current approach remains to ensure that GPs have the flexibility to tailor their learning to the needs of their patient populations.

What steps he is taking to support the recovery of people who have been diagnosed with severe Functional Neurological Disorder in Nottinghamshire.

The majority of services for people with neurological conditions, including functional neurological disorder (FND), are commissioned locally. Integrated care boards (ICBs), including the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB, have a statutory responsibility to commission services that meet the needs of their local population. This includes ensuring appropriate assessment, referral routes, and access to multidisciplinary rehabilitation for people diagnosed with FND. ICBs are expected to work with clinicians, service users, and patient groups to develop pathways that are responsive and convenient for patients.National guidance is also in place to improve the consistency of care. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides advice to clinicians on recognising and managing FND through its Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral guideline, reference code NG127, and Clinical Knowledge Summary, which support improved identification and care planning across primary and specialist settings.NHS England ensures that ICBs follow NICE guidance through a combination of statutory oversight frameworks, annual performance assessments, and local clinical governance requirements.The National Neurosciences Advisory Group developed an Optimal Clinical Pathway for FND, published in 2023, which sets out what good, person‑centred FND care should look like across the National Health Service. The pathway provides a clear, evidence‑informed framework for commissioners and clinicians, emphasising timely assessment, clear and compassionate communication of the diagnosis, and coordinated multidisciplinary rehabilitation involving neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support. It also outlines how services should work together across primary, community, and specialist care to ensure patients receive consistent support, reduce unwarranted variation, and avoid patients being passed between services without a coherent plan.NHS England has also strengthened expectations for FND care through its updated Specialised Neurology Service Specification (Adult), published in August 2025, which, for the first time, includes explicit requirements relating to FND. The specification states that all specialised neurology centres must ensure access to appropriate FND treatment services and adopt a multidisciplinary, networked model of care.

What steps his Department is taking to improve diagnosis procedures for Functional Neurological Disorder.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that people with neurological symptoms receive an accurate and timely diagnosis. Clearer diagnostic pathways and improved clinical understanding are key to improving earlier recognition and reducing misdiagnosis of conditions like functional neurological disorder (FND).The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline, Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral, reference code NG127, sets out the symptoms commonly associated with FND and the recommended referral pathways for suspected cases, helping clinicians identify positive diagnostic signs rather than relying on a diagnosis of exclusion.NHS England ensures that integrated care boards (ICBs) follow NICE guidance through a combination of statutory oversight frameworks, annual performance assessments, and local clinical governance requirements.NICE’s Clinical Knowledge Summary on FND offers further practical advice for clinicians in both primary and non‑specialist care on the diagnosis and management of the condition, supporting more consistent recognition across the system.ICBs are responsible for commissioning services that meet the needs of their local populations. This includes ensuring appropriate assessment, referral, and support arrangements are in place for people presenting with symptoms consistent with FND, informed by national guidance.

What steps he is taking to support children living with Functional Neurological Disorder.

The Government recognises that functional neurological disorder (FND) can have a significant impact on the lives of children and their families. Children with FND may experience a wide range of symptoms, and early recognition and access to appropriate support is essential. FND can be difficult to identify in children, as symptoms often overlap with other neurological and developmental conditions. Early and accurate detection is therefore essential to ensure children receive appropriate assessment, clear communication of diagnosis, and timely access to multidisciplinary support.Health professionals are supported by national evidence‑based products which play an important role in strengthening recognition and referral pathways. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) includes FND within its guideline, Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral, reference code NG127. It outlines common symptom patterns associated with FND, such as fluctuating limb weakness, sensory disturbances, episodes of altered awareness, and difficulties with memory and concentration, and sets out recommended referral routes for suspected cases.NICE’s Clinical Knowledge Summary on FND also provides practical advice for clinicians on the diagnosis and management of FND, supporting improved recognition in primary and non‑specialist care.In addition, NICE published, in October 2025, new guidance on rehabilitation for chronic neurological disorders, reference code NG252, which will help improve access to consistent, multidisciplinary support for children and young people with neurological conditions, including those with FND.Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning services that meet the needs of their local populations, including pathways for children with neurological conditions such as FND. ICBs are expected to work with clinicians and specialists, informed by national guidance, to ensure appropriate assessment, referral and support arrangements are in place for children presenting with symptoms consistent with FND.NHS England ensures that ICBs follow NICE guidance through a combination of statutory oversight frameworks, annual performance assessments, and local clinical governance requirements.

What steps he is taking to help improve detection processes for Functional Neurological Disorder in children.

The Government recognises that functional neurological disorder (FND) can have a significant impact on the lives of children and their families. Children with FND may experience a wide range of symptoms, and early recognition and access to appropriate support is essential. FND can be difficult to identify in children, as symptoms often overlap with other neurological and developmental conditions. Early and accurate detection is therefore essential to ensure children receive appropriate assessment, clear communication of diagnosis, and timely access to multidisciplinary support.Health professionals are supported by national evidence‑based products which play an important role in strengthening recognition and referral pathways. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) includes FND within its guideline, Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral, reference code NG127. It outlines common symptom patterns associated with FND, such as fluctuating limb weakness, sensory disturbances, episodes of altered awareness, and difficulties with memory and concentration, and sets out recommended referral routes for suspected cases.NICE’s Clinical Knowledge Summary on FND also provides practical advice for clinicians on the diagnosis and management of FND, supporting improved recognition in primary and non‑specialist care.In addition, NICE published, in October 2025, new guidance on rehabilitation for chronic neurological disorders, reference code NG252, which will help improve access to consistent, multidisciplinary support for children and young people with neurological conditions, including those with FND.Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning services that meet the needs of their local populations, including pathways for children with neurological conditions such as FND. ICBs are expected to work with clinicians and specialists, informed by national guidance, to ensure appropriate assessment, referral and support arrangements are in place for children presenting with symptoms consistent with FND.NHS England ensures that ICBs follow NICE guidance through a combination of statutory oversight frameworks, annual performance assessments, and local clinical governance requirements.

What steps he is taking to ensure people diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder can access adequate support services.

The majority of services for people with neurological conditions, including functional neurological disorder (FND), are commissioned locally. Integrated care boards (ICBs), including the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB, have a statutory responsibility to commission services that meet the needs of their local population. This includes ensuring appropriate assessment, referral routes, and access to multidisciplinary rehabilitation for people diagnosed with FND. ICBs are expected to work with clinicians, service users, and patient groups to develop pathways that are responsive and convenient for patients.National guidance is also in place to improve the consistency of care. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides advice to clinicians on recognising and managing FND through its Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral guideline, reference code NG127, and Clinical Knowledge Summary, which support improved identification and care planning across primary and specialist settings.NHS England ensures that ICBs follow NICE guidance through a combination of statutory oversight frameworks, annual performance assessments, and local clinical governance requirements.The National Neurosciences Advisory Group developed an Optimal Clinical Pathway for FND, published in 2023, which sets out what good, person‑centred FND care should look like across the National Health Service. The pathway provides a clear, evidence‑informed framework for commissioners and clinicians, emphasising timely assessment, clear and compassionate communication of the diagnosis, and coordinated multidisciplinary rehabilitation involving neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support. It also outlines how services should work together across primary, community, and specialist care to ensure patients receive consistent support, reduce unwarranted variation, and avoid patients being passed between services without a coherent plan.NHS England has also strengthened expectations for FND care through its updated Specialised Neurology Service Specification (Adult), published in August 2025, which, for the first time, includes explicit requirements relating to FND. The specification states that all specialised neurology centres must ensure access to appropriate FND treatment services and adopt a multidisciplinary, networked model of care.

What steps he is taking to reduce misdiagnosis of the wrong neurological condition.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that people with neurological symptoms receive an accurate and timely diagnosis. Clearer diagnostic pathways and improved clinical understanding are key to improving earlier recognition and reducing misdiagnosis of conditions like functional neurological disorder (FND).The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline, Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral, reference code NG127, sets out the symptoms commonly associated with FND and the recommended referral pathways for suspected cases, helping clinicians identify positive diagnostic signs rather than relying on a diagnosis of exclusion.NHS England ensures that integrated care boards (ICBs) follow NICE guidance through a combination of statutory oversight frameworks, annual performance assessments, and local clinical governance requirements.NICE’s Clinical Knowledge Summary on FND offers further practical advice for clinicians in both primary and non‑specialist care on the diagnosis and management of the condition, supporting more consistent recognition across the system.ICBs are responsible for commissioning services that meet the needs of their local populations. This includes ensuring appropriate assessment, referral, and support arrangements are in place for people presenting with symptoms consistent with FND, informed by national guidance.

What steps he is taking to support parents and families who lose a child to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood.

We recognise the devastating impact of sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) on affected families and communities. It is important that grieving families and friends who have lost loved ones have access to the support they need, when they need it. Bereavement support, including for parents and families affected by SUDC, is commissioned locally, in accordance with the needs of the local population. Information on SUDC is available on the National Health Service website, which also signposts to the charity SUDC.UK. This is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sidsThe Department funds research into SUDC through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Recent NIHR‑funded research includes studies focused on the promotion of safer sleeping practices for families at increased risk, the identification and management of genetic and cardiac risk factors, and the improvement of support for bereaved families.The NIHR actively encourages and funds high-quality research into SUDC, ensuring flexibility in both the funding and research type to meet the needs of patients and families.

What steps his Department is taking to increase research into Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood.

We recognise the devastating impact of sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) on affected families and communities. It is important that grieving families and friends who have lost loved ones have access to the support they need, when they need it. Bereavement support, including for parents and families affected by SUDC, is commissioned locally, in accordance with the needs of the local population. Information on SUDC is available on the National Health Service website, which also signposts to the charity SUDC.UK. This is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sidsThe Department funds research into SUDC through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Recent NIHR‑funded research includes studies focused on the promotion of safer sleeping practices for families at increased risk, the identification and management of genetic and cardiac risk factors, and the improvement of support for bereaved families.The NIHR actively encourages and funds high-quality research into SUDC, ensuring flexibility in both the funding and research type to meet the needs of patients and families.

What steps his Department is taking to improve (a) diagnosis time and (b) medical care for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is now commonly referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), although the terms are still often used interchangeably.While the Department has not had any recent discussions with medical professionals about care for people with MASLD, NHS England has recently commenced a programme for the transformation of liver services. This programme is being led by the NHS England Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Clinical Reference Group (HPB CRG). HPB CRG is working with partners to co-produce resources to raise public knowledge and awareness of all forms of liver disease. In time, this may include incorporating liver health checks into the NHS Making Every Contact Count and NHS Health Checks initiatives.The HPB CRG is also aiming to improve early diagnosis and intervention through developing evidence-based best-practice pathways for both primary care and referral to secondary care services. The HPB CRG is looking at access and equity of access to diagnostic tests across England and exploring the applicability of automated Fib4 tests and Intelligent Liver Function Testing, potentially utilising community diagnostic centres.The British Society for Gastroenterology is currently updating its pathways and guidance for MASLD for both primary and secondary care, diagnostics, and treatment, which we anticipate will be published soon. There are also a number of ongoing National Institute for Health and Care Excellence assessments looking at new treatments for MASLD, including Resmetirom and Semaglutide. Outputs and recommendations are expected to be published in mid-2026.Clinical teams also have access to NHS England’s Getting it Right First Time Advice and Guidance toolkit and templates for gastroenterology, which feature advice on managing abnormal liver function tests and MASLD. These templates enable general practitioners to seek timely advice from secondary care specialists, helping to reduce unnecessary delays.

What recent discussions his Department has had with medical professionals about care for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is now commonly referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), although the terms are still often used interchangeably.While the Department has not had any recent discussions with medical professionals about care for people with MASLD, NHS England has recently commenced a programme for the transformation of liver services. This programme is being led by the NHS England Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Clinical Reference Group (HPB CRG). HPB CRG is working with partners to co-produce resources to raise public knowledge and awareness of all forms of liver disease. In time, this may include incorporating liver health checks into the NHS Making Every Contact Count and NHS Health Checks initiatives.The HPB CRG is also aiming to improve early diagnosis and intervention through developing evidence-based best-practice pathways for both primary care and referral to secondary care services. The HPB CRG is looking at access and equity of access to diagnostic tests across England and exploring the applicability of automated Fib4 tests and Intelligent Liver Function Testing, potentially utilising community diagnostic centres.The British Society for Gastroenterology is currently updating its pathways and guidance for MASLD for both primary and secondary care, diagnostics, and treatment, which we anticipate will be published soon. There are also a number of ongoing National Institute for Health and Care Excellence assessments looking at new treatments for MASLD, including Resmetirom and Semaglutide. Outputs and recommendations are expected to be published in mid-2026.Clinical teams also have access to NHS England’s Getting it Right First Time Advice and Guidance toolkit and templates for gastroenterology, which feature advice on managing abnormal liver function tests and MASLD. These templates enable general practitioners to seek timely advice from secondary care specialists, helping to reduce unnecessary delays.

What recent assessment he has made about the readiness of the NHS to tackle co-ordinated cyber attacks.

In the past year, we have invested £37.6 million across health and social care, building on the £338 million invested since 2017. Through our ambitious Cyber Improvement Programme, we are tackling the changing cyber risk head-on, expanding protection and services to better protect the health and care system.NHS England’s Cyber Operations team provides 24/7 monitoring and expert support to National Health Service organisations who have been impacted by cyber-attacks. This includes specialist, on the ground, certified incident response services free of charge to NHS organisations who have been severely impacted by cyber incidents as well as technical and operational support to contain, investigate, and remediate incidents. Furthermore, we have developed guidance for leaders involved in cyber incidents to ensure there is a clear policy and process for how to respond across all elements of incidents.We have a process in place to identify lessons and implement improvements following cyber incidents. Following the Synnovis cyber-attack in 2024, the Department and NHS England have made improvements to critical communications processes, added additional measures to improve resilience in the supply chain, and have set out clearer roles and responsibilities in incident management.In 2023, a Health and Care Cyber Security Strategy was launched. Pillar 5 of the strategy focuses on exemplary response and recovery, as set out in the strategy health and care organisations should run annual cyber exercises to ensure there is a well-practiced and rapid response when incidents do occur.

What steps his Department is taking to improve the (a) prevention (b) diagnosis and (c) treatment of Ocular Melanoma.

The forthcoming National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for patients with cancer, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, and ultimately driving up this country’s cancer survival rates. This will benefit all cancer patients, including ocular melanoma patients.Early diagnosis of cancers, including ocular melanoma, is a key focus of the National Cancer Plan. We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new capacity. The Department is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with rare cancers, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.The Government supports Scott Arthur’s Private Members Bill on rare cancers which will make it easier for clinical trials into rare cancers, to take place in England by ensuring the patient population can be easily contacted by researchers. This will ensure that the NHS will remain at the forefront of medical innovation and is able to provide patients with the newest, most effective treatment options, and ultimately boost survival rates.

What recent steps his Department is taking to improve research into (a) Ocular Melanoma and (b) other rare cancers.

The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and in 2024/25 spent £141.6 million on cancer research, signalling its high priority. One example of a recent investment into rare cancers is the NIHR’s investment of £13.7 million in December 2025 to support ground-breaking research to develop novel brain tumour treatments in the United Kingdom, with significant further funding announcements expected shortly. Research specifically on Ocular Melanoma includes a study completed in 2022 to develop AI Techniques to Predict Eye Cancer Using Big Longitudinal Data. The NIHR is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with rare cancers, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments, by working to fast-track clinical trials to drive global investment into life sciences, improve health outcomes, and accelerate the development of medicines and therapies of the future, including for rare cancers The Government also supports the Rare Cancers Private Members Bill. The bill will make it easier for clinical trials on rare cancers to take place in England, by ensuring the patient population can be more easily contacted by researchers The NIHR continues to welcome funding applications for research into less common cancers, including ocular cancer. 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.

How many illegal migrants received (a) dental and (b) healthcare in the each of the last three years.

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England do not hold the information requested. The overall management of people seeking asylum is a matter for the Home Office.

How much money is allocated to providing illegal migrants with (a) dental and (b) health care.

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England do not hold the information requested. The overall management of people seeking asylum is a matter for the Home Office.

What recent estimate his Department has made of levels of medicine wastage in the NHS.

The Government recognises the importance of a coordinated approach to reduce medicine wastage, improve efficiencies, and lower costs for taxpayers. NHS England leads a medicine optimisation programme to enhance patient outcomes, ensure medication is taken as intended, avoid unnecessary medicines, and reduce wastage. For example, community pharmacies offer the New Medicines Service for newly prescribed patients and the Discharge Medicines Service for those recently discharged from hospital to support adherence. The 2021 national overprescribing review highlighted necessary practical and cultural changes to ensure appropriate patient treatment and value for money. General practices offer Structured Medicine Reviews, with pharmacists in multi-disciplinary teams optimising patient medication and preventing wastage. Additionally, electronic Repeat Dispensing allows prescribers to send repeat prescriptions as a batch to allow better management, ensuring patients only collect what they need. Waste reduction schemes are commissioned locally, and therefore the Department does not hold data centrally on the cost of medicines waste.