Written questions by Evans.

Whether he has had recent discussions with NHS England on the discontinuation of the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders.

The NHS and Care Volunteer Responders (NHSCVR) programme was first established as part of the COVID-19 response and then adapted to respond to other organisational pressures. Most patients were referred into the programme by a health professional for short-term support through the NHSCVR programme. However, a model that worked well in a national crisis is no longer the most cost-effective way of facilitating the important contribution of our much-valued volunteers. Referrers have been informed of the change in service, so that they can source alternative support for their patients if needed, and those that used the Pick up and Deliver service most frequently have been offered support from the NHS England team to identify alternative forms of support.The NHSCVR programme is just one part of a volunteering system that supports people’s health and care needs, and there are many local voluntary sector organisations that provide other forms of support. Whilst the NHSCVR service is ending, volunteers are being redirected to other National Health Service and voluntary sector organisations to ensure patients continue to be supported.The NHS Volunteer recruitment portal is already available, with 70 health and care organisations advertising opportunities. As the service grows, every NHS or voluntary organisation in health will be able to post opportunities and recruit volunteers to support their local communities, with a full launch of the service planned for later this year.In addition, there are over 72,000 volunteers who continue to support NHS trusts directly in over 300 different volunteer roles, which are unaffected by the closure of the NHSCVR.The decision to close the NHSCVR was based on NHS England’s assessment that the programme was not delivering value for money. The Department will continue to work with NHS England colleagues following the closure of the programme to mitigate risks to national health volunteer resilience.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the discontinuation of the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders on other parts of the NHS.

The NHS and Care Volunteer Responders (NHSCVR) programme was first established as part of the COVID-19 response and then adapted to respond to other organisational pressures. Most patients were referred into the programme by a health professional for short-term support through the NHSCVR programme. However, a model that worked well in a national crisis is no longer the most cost-effective way of facilitating the important contribution of our much-valued volunteers. Referrers have been informed of the change in service, so that they can source alternative support for their patients if needed, and those that used the Pick up and Deliver service most frequently have been offered support from the NHS England team to identify alternative forms of support.The NHSCVR programme is just one part of a volunteering system that supports people’s health and care needs, and there are many local voluntary sector organisations that provide other forms of support. Whilst the NHSCVR service is ending, volunteers are being redirected to other National Health Service and voluntary sector organisations to ensure patients continue to be supported.The NHS Volunteer recruitment portal is already available, with 70 health and care organisations advertising opportunities. As the service grows, every NHS or voluntary organisation in health will be able to post opportunities and recruit volunteers to support their local communities, with a full launch of the service planned for later this year.In addition, there are over 72,000 volunteers who continue to support NHS trusts directly in over 300 different volunteer roles, which are unaffected by the closure of the NHSCVR.The decision to close the NHSCVR was based on NHS England’s assessment that the programme was not delivering value for money. The Department will continue to work with NHS England colleagues following the closure of the programme to mitigate risks to national health volunteer resilience.

Whether his Department conducted an impact assessment on the discontinuation of the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders.

The NHS and Care Volunteer Responders (NHSCVR) programme was first established as part of the COVID-19 response and then adapted to respond to other organisational pressures. Most patients were referred into the programme by a health professional for short-term support through the NHSCVR programme. However, a model that worked well in a national crisis is no longer the most cost-effective way of facilitating the important contribution of our much-valued volunteers. Referrers have been informed of the change in service, so that they can source alternative support for their patients if needed, and those that used the Pick up and Deliver service most frequently have been offered support from the NHS England team to identify alternative forms of support.The NHSCVR programme is just one part of a volunteering system that supports people’s health and care needs, and there are many local voluntary sector organisations that provide other forms of support. Whilst the NHSCVR service is ending, volunteers are being redirected to other National Health Service and voluntary sector organisations to ensure patients continue to be supported.The NHS Volunteer recruitment portal is already available, with 70 health and care organisations advertising opportunities. As the service grows, every NHS or voluntary organisation in health will be able to post opportunities and recruit volunteers to support their local communities, with a full launch of the service planned for later this year.In addition, there are over 72,000 volunteers who continue to support NHS trusts directly in over 300 different volunteer roles, which are unaffected by the closure of the NHSCVR.The decision to close the NHSCVR was based on NHS England’s assessment that the programme was not delivering value for money. The Department will continue to work with NHS England colleagues following the closure of the programme to mitigate risks to national health volunteer resilience.

If he will publish a list of meetings held by the Casey Commission.

Given that the commission is independent, the Department will not publish a list of its meetings. It is for the commission to determine its approach, but we expect it will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience and unpaid carers, as well as building cross-party consensus.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 47803 on Mental Health Services: Recruitment, what his planned timetable is for recruiting 8,500 mental health workers.

As part of our mission to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future and that is there when people need it, we are recruiting 8,500 mental health workers across child and adult mental health services to help ease the pressure on busy services.We continue to work with NHS England to consider options to deliver this commitment alongside publishing a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade. There are a wide range of factors that will affect this future growth of the NHS mental health workforce, and we will provide an update in due course.

Pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 43598 on Mental Health Services: Out of Area Treatment, what his planned timetable is for the reduction of at least 580 out-of-area placements.

NHS England has advised that it expects the reduction of at least 580 placements which are out of area, far from home, or outside of natural clinical flow for adult forensic, and children and young people’s mental health inpatient services to be achieved over the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of recommending the Quality Standards for Care and Rehabilitation of Cardiac Arrest Survivors and Key Supporters from the Resuscitation Council UK to (a) Integrated Care Boards and (b) NHS trusts.

NHS England welcomes the recent publication on the quality standards for care and rehabilitation of cardiac arrest survivors and their key supporters.We recognise the importance of this work and will take it into account as part of our ongoing review of all prescribed specialised service specifications. Specifically, the service specification will be reviewed in due course, and this publication will be considered as part of that process. The specification is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Cardiology-primary-percutaneous-cortonary-intervention-adult.pdf

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the Quality Standards for Care and Rehabilitation of Cardiac Arrest Survivors and Key Supporters, published by the Resuscitation Council UK.

NHS England welcomes the recent publication on the quality standards for care and rehabilitation of cardiac arrest survivors and their key supporters.We recognise the importance of this work and will take it into account as part of our ongoing review of all prescribed specialised service specifications. Specifically, the service specification will be reviewed in due course, and this publication will be considered as part of that process. The specification is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Cardiology-primary-percutaneous-cortonary-intervention-adult.pdf

Whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of follow up care for survivors of sudden cardiac arrest (a) nationally and (b) regionally.

The NHS Long Term Plan committed to improving community first response and building defibrillator networks to help save 4,000 lives by 2028. This is being supported with education for the general public, including young people of school age, about how to recognise and respond to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. NHS England is also working with partners such as the British Heart Foundation to harness new technology and to ensure the public and emergency services are able to rapidly locate this life saving equipment in an emergency. Patients who survive cardiac arrest and their families are supported through referral to local National Health Services, and this will include rehabilitation, such as cardiac and neurological rehabilitation, and mental health services for psychological support. There are different pathways for cardiac arrest survivors, depending on the severity of the damage caused by the cardiac arrest. For people being discharged from secondary care and those with ischemic heart disease, also known as myocardial infarction, cardiac rehabilitation services are available in every region. In December 2024, to support local systems to commission high quality cardiac rehabilitation, NHS England published Commissioning standards for cardiac rehabilitation, which is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/commissioning-standards-for-cardiovascular-rehabilitation/ These standards of care complement the British Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation’s Standards and Core Components document, published in 2023, to support the delivery of high-quality care and the adherence to evidenced-based practice. This document is available at the following link: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66cc563eecc7a22020c7da6c/t/66ffa8f20aef5d0b272c6b0e/1728030962905/BACPR+Standards+and+Core+Components+2023.pdf

If his Department will take legislative steps to improve the regulatory oversight of the non-surgical cosmetic sector.

The Government is committed to taking action to address the longstanding concerns about the safety of the cosmetics sector and is exploring options for further regulation in this area. We will set out the details of our approach in our response to the consultation on the licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England, which we will publish at the earliest opportunity.

Which bodies he has had recent discussions with on tackling melanoma skin cancer as part of the national cancer plan.

To address barriers and reduce the levels of melanoma skin cancer cases, the Department continues to advise patients to follow National Health Service guidance on reducing the risk of skin cancer. This advice is available publicly on the NHS website, at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/NHS England run Help Us Help You campaigns to increase knowledge of cancer symptoms and address the barriers to acting on them, and to encourage people to come forward as soon as possible to see their general practitioner. The campaigns focus on a range of symptoms as well as encouraging body awareness to help people spot symptoms across a wide range of cancers, including melanoma, at an earlier point.The Department and NHS England are committed to working closely with partners and patient groups to shape the long-term vision for cancer. The call for evidence for the National Cancer Plan closed on 29 April 2025, with over 11,000 responses from individuals, professionals, and organisations, sharing their views on how the Government can continue to improve cancer care in England.Alongside the call for evidence, the Department regularly engages with many cancer partners, including charities and those within the cancer community, to ensure we are hearing from a range of different voices.The National Cancer Plan will include further details on how the Government will improve outcomes for cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology. The National Cancer Plan for England is planned for publication in the second half of this year.

What organisations he has had discussions with on including objectives to tackle melanoma skin cancer in the forthcoming National Cancer Plan.

To address barriers and reduce the levels of melanoma skin cancer cases, the Department continues to advise patients to follow National Health Service guidance on reducing the risk of skin cancer. This advice is available publicly on the NHS website, at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/NHS England run Help Us Help You campaigns to increase knowledge of cancer symptoms and address the barriers to acting on them, and to encourage people to come forward as soon as possible to see their general practitioner. The campaigns focus on a range of symptoms as well as encouraging body awareness to help people spot symptoms across a wide range of cancers, including melanoma, at an earlier point.The Department and NHS England are committed to working closely with partners and patient groups to shape the long-term vision for cancer. The call for evidence for the National Cancer Plan closed on 29 April 2025, with over 11,000 responses from individuals, professionals, and organisations, sharing their views on how the Government can continue to improve cancer care in England.Alongside the call for evidence, the Department regularly engages with many cancer partners, including charities and those within the cancer community, to ensure we are hearing from a range of different voices.The National Cancer Plan will include further details on how the Government will improve outcomes for cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology. The National Cancer Plan for England is planned for publication in the second half of this year.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential barriers to reducing levels of of melanoma skin cancer cases.

To address barriers and reduce the levels of melanoma skin cancer cases, the Department continues to advise patients to follow National Health Service guidance on reducing the risk of skin cancer. This advice is available publicly on the NHS website, at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/NHS England run Help Us Help You campaigns to increase knowledge of cancer symptoms and address the barriers to acting on them, and to encourage people to come forward as soon as possible to see their general practitioner. The campaigns focus on a range of symptoms as well as encouraging body awareness to help people spot symptoms across a wide range of cancers, including melanoma, at an earlier point.The Department and NHS England are committed to working closely with partners and patient groups to shape the long-term vision for cancer. The call for evidence for the National Cancer Plan closed on 29 April 2025, with over 11,000 responses from individuals, professionals, and organisations, sharing their views on how the Government can continue to improve cancer care in England.Alongside the call for evidence, the Department regularly engages with many cancer partners, including charities and those within the cancer community, to ensure we are hearing from a range of different voices.The National Cancer Plan will include further details on how the Government will improve outcomes for cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology. The National Cancer Plan for England is planned for publication in the second half of this year.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, how many times the health and justice strategy advisory group has met.

The mental health and justice strategic advisory group will be chaired by NHS England’s National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, and the group’s membership is still in the process of being confirmed. The mental health and justice strategic advisory group has not yet started its work. The National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, along with senior leads in health and justice, specialised commissioning, and community mental health are in the process of agreeing the terms of reference for the group, and its first meeting is expected to take place in early July. The Chair will provide a quarterly report on progress and impact to ministers in both the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Care, with the first report expected in the Autumn.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, who the (a) chair and (b) members of the health and justice strategic advisory group are.

The mental health and justice strategic advisory group will be chaired by NHS England’s National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, and the group’s membership is still in the process of being confirmed. The mental health and justice strategic advisory group has not yet started its work. The National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, along with senior leads in health and justice, specialised commissioning, and community mental health are in the process of agreeing the terms of reference for the group, and its first meeting is expected to take place in early July. The Chair will provide a quarterly report on progress and impact to ministers in both the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Care, with the first report expected in the Autumn.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, when she plans to provide an update on the work of the health and justice strategic advisory group.

The mental health and justice strategic advisory group will be chaired by NHS England’s National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, and the group’s membership is still in the process of being confirmed. The mental health and justice strategic advisory group has not yet started its work. The National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, along with senior leads in health and justice, specialised commissioning, and community mental health are in the process of agreeing the terms of reference for the group, and its first meeting is expected to take place in early July. The Chair will provide a quarterly report on progress and impact to ministers in both the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Care, with the first report expected in the Autumn.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, what the remit of the health and justice strategic advisory group is.

The mental health and justice strategic advisory group will be chaired by NHS England’s National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, and the group’s membership is still in the process of being confirmed. The mental health and justice strategic advisory group has not yet started its work. The National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, along with senior leads in health and justice, specialised commissioning, and community mental health are in the process of agreeing the terms of reference for the group, and its first meeting is expected to take place in early July. The Chair will provide a quarterly report on progress and impact to ministers in both the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Care, with the first report expected in the Autumn.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, how she plans to monitor the effectiveness of the health and justice strategy advisory group.

The mental health and justice strategic advisory group will be chaired by NHS England’s National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, and the group’s membership is still in the process of being confirmed. The mental health and justice strategic advisory group has not yet started its work. The National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, along with senior leads in health and justice, specialised commissioning, and community mental health are in the process of agreeing the terms of reference for the group, and its first meeting is expected to take place in early July. The Chair will provide a quarterly report on progress and impact to ministers in both the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Care, with the first report expected in the Autumn.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, column 103, what work the health and justice strategic advisory group has undertaken.

The first formal meeting of the mental health and justice strategic advisory group is planned to take place on 1 July 2025. The group will be chaired by NHS England’s National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, who will report regularly to Ministers and be responsible for agreeing a joint work plan to support implementation of the statutory time limit for transfers between prisons and hospitals, identifying solutions to common barriers to timely transfers and holding partners to account.An initial planning meeting was held on 30 April 2025 and the chair, along with senior leads in health and justice, specialised commissioning and community mental health are in the process of agreeing the terms of reference for the group.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, column 103, who the (a) chair and (b) members of the health and justice strategic advisory group are.

The mental health and justice strategic advisory group will be chaired by NHS England’s National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, and the group’s membership is still in the process of being confirmed. The mental health and justice strategic advisory group has not yet started its work. The National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, along with senior leads in health and justice, specialised commissioning, and community mental health are in the process of agreeing the terms of reference for the group, and its first meeting is expected to take place in early July. The Chair will provide a quarterly report on progress and impact to ministers in both the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Care, with the first report expected in the Autumn.