Written questions by Dillon.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that wheelchair service providers promptly repair faulty wheelchairs.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of a ban on the sale of energy drinks through vending machines on the vending and automated retail sector.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of trends in child mortality rates among children living in temporary accommodation in England in each of the last six years; and what steps his Department is taking to reduce health risks and prevent avoidable deaths among those children.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to enable community pharmacy to improve patient access and continuity of care, particularly for people with long term conditions and complex needs.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of innovation in pharmacy services to support delivery of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure equitable access to timely treatment for common eye conditions in England.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for ophthalmology services in Newbury constituency.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to improve access to maternity pathways, including tailored support for pregnant people experiencing homelessness.

Awaiting answer.

What consideration he has given to introducing a graded model of miscarriage care across England.

Awaiting answer.

What plans he has to expand access to specialist diagnostic services for patients with symptoms of serious balance disorders.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to improve GP awareness and training on vestibular conditions.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the availability of targeted treatments for invasive lobular breast cancer compared with other forms of breast cancer.

Awaiting answer.

Whether his Department plans to provide additional funding for research into the diagnosis and treatment of invasive lobular breast cancer.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of signposting to information and support organisations for people with balance disorders and vestibular conditions.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to improve training for healthcare professionals on recognising and managing endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of research funding into endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

The Department funds research on health and social care through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). In 2024/25, through the NIHR, the Department committed £1.3 million for new research projects on gynaecological conditions and menstrual health, which includes endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. This is building on the existing portfolio commissioned in this area. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. In recognition that some areas of women’s health have been underserved in research, the Renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England commits to prioritising research through the NIHR in areas of unmet need in women’s health, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

What funding his Department is providing for research into the genetic differences between people with myalgic encephalomyelitis and those without the condition.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Medical Research Council have dedicated £3.2 million to the DecodeME study. This study aims to understand the genetic differences between those who have myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and those who do not, and in doing so increase our understanding of ME/CFS to support the development of diagnostic tests and targeted treatments. Preliminary findings from DecodeME indicate genetic differences in eight areas linked to the immune and nervous systems in people with ME/CFS. This discovery of specific genetic signals may help us understand the biological pathways involved in ME/CFS in the future.

What steps he is taking to support people with myalgic encephalomyelitis.

As part of the final delivery plan for myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), that was published in July 2025, the Government committed to supporting people with ME/CFS. The plan focuses on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease.We are developing a template service specification for mild and moderate ME/CFS, in conjunction with NHS England. The template will set out examples of best practice for the commissioning of services for ME/CFS to ensure consistent and high-quality care across integrated care boards. The Department, together with ForwardME, is developing a Language Matters Guide to accompany this to ensure that terminology is consistent and well understood.To help support healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS, the Department has worked with NHS England to develop an e-learning programme for healthcare professionals. All sessions of the e-learning programme, with sessions one, two, and three having universal access, whilst the final session on managing severe ME/CFS being only available to healthcare professionals, are now available at the following link:https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/mecfselearning?nodeId=7288.

What steps he is taking to ensure that community pharmacies are adequately funded to maintain opening hours and patient access.

In 2025/26, funding for the core community pharmacy contractual framework was increased to £3.1 billion. This represented the largest uplift in funding of any part of the National Health Service at the time, over 19% across 2024/25 and 2025/26. This included funding for the Pharmacy Access Scheme, which provides additional funding to more isolated pharmacies to support patient access.The Department is currently consulting with Community Pharmacy England on any proposed changes to reimbursement and remuneration of pharmacy contractors for 2026/27. As part of this we will consider financial pressures on the sector.

What steps his Department is taking to support community pharmacies.

As we shift care from hospital and into the community, pharmacies have a vital role to play as an essential front door to the NHS for the public. After years of neglect this Government agreed a record uplift of 3.1 billion pounds for pharmacies in 25/26, a 19% increase over two years. We are also currently consulting with Community Pharmacy England on funding arrangements to support pharmacies in 2026/27.