Every parliamentary written question tabled by Mary Glindon this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–20 of 85 · Department of Health and Social Care
What steps the NHS Business Services Authority is taking to ensure independent shopkeepers and convenience store staff (a) are aware of NHS Healthy Start cards and (b) enable all eligible families to use their cards in these stores.
Awaiting answer.
What progress his Department has made on writing to households who are eligible but not registered for the NHS Healthy Start programme; and what his Department's planned timeline is for completing that communication.
Awaiting answer.
What estimate he has made of the proportion of patients receiving treatment within 18 weeks of referral in (a) Newcastle upon Tyne and (b) North Tyneside.
At the end of March 2026, the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board reported that the proportion of patients on the waiting list waiting within 18 weeks was 72.3% compared to 70.2% in March 2025.The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reported that 72.5% of its waiting list was waiting within 18 weeks compared to 72.4% in March 2025.Nationally, at the end of March 2026, the proportion of the waiting list waiting within 18 weeks was 65.3%.
What steps he is taking to increase the proportion of patients receiving treatment within 18 weeks of referral.
The Government is committed to returning by March 2029 to the National Health Service constitutional standard that 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to consultant-led treatment (RTT).As a first step in achieving this, we have delivered against the interim target that 65% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks by March 2026. As of March 2026, the waiting list has reduced by over 515,000 since the Government came into office, and performance against the RTT standard has improved by 6.4%, reaching 65.3%. This is despite 37.2 million referrals onto the waiting list over the same period.This progress has been made by delivering more appointments, investing in modernisation, reforming and simplifying pathways, increasing surgical and diagnostic capacity, and providing patients with faster and more convenient access to care.
What recent progress his Department has made on negotiating the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework for 2026/27.
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.The Department’s consultation with Community Pharmacy England on any proposed changes to reimbursement and remuneration of pharmacy contractors for 2026/27 began on 25 February. We will provide an update once this consultation has concluded.
What recent progress his Department has made on implementing a joint process between NICE and the MHRA for the licensing and appraisal of medicines; and whether the licensing and appraisal of the BREAKWATER treatment protocol for patients with BRAF-mutated bowel cancer will follow this pathway.
The National Health Service in England is legally required to fund medicines in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) recommendations. Current treatment options for BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer depend on the stage of the disease and previous treatments. Several medicines for the treatment of colorectal cancer have been recommended by NICE. NICE has also recommended encorafenib in combination with cetuximab as an option for treating BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic colorectal cancer after previous systemic treatment.The BREAKWATER study is investigating encorafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, in combination with cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for the potential treatment of colorectal cancer. This regimen does not currently have a United Kingdom marketing authorisation for use in the treatment of previously untreated BRAF V600E mutation positive metastatic colorectal cancer. NICE has prioritised an appraisal of encorafenib for this indication in anticipation of it being granted a UK marketing authorisation and will schedule the appraisal so that guidance can be published as close as possible to the expected licensing date. The joint licensing and health technology appraisal pathway was launched on 1 April. It is not possible at this stage to confirm whether the appraisal will follow the joint pathway. Further information on the appraisal’s status is publicly available on NICE’s website, at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/awaiting-development/gid-ta11961The clinical trial was assessed and approved in the UK and is currently active, with further information available at the following link:https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04607421?term=BREAKWATER&viewType=Card&rank=1Department officials regularly discuss a range of topics with colleagues in the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and NICE.
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of access to treatment for patients with BRAF-mutated bowel cancer in (a) England and (b) Northern Ireland.
The National Health Service in England is legally required to fund medicines in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) recommendations. Current treatment options for BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer depend on the stage of the disease and previous treatments. Several medicines for the treatment of colorectal cancer have been recommended by NICE. NICE has also recommended encorafenib in combination with cetuximab as an option for treating BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic colorectal cancer after previous systemic treatment.The BREAKWATER study is investigating encorafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, in combination with cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for the potential treatment of colorectal cancer. This regimen does not currently have a United Kingdom marketing authorisation for use in the treatment of previously untreated BRAF V600E mutation positive metastatic colorectal cancer. NICE has prioritised an appraisal of encorafenib for this indication in anticipation of it being granted a UK marketing authorisation and will schedule the appraisal so that guidance can be published as close as possible to the expected licensing date. The joint licensing and health technology appraisal pathway was launched on 1 April. It is not possible at this stage to confirm whether the appraisal will follow the joint pathway. Further information on the appraisal’s status is publicly available on NICE’s website, at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/awaiting-development/gid-ta11961The clinical trial was assessed and approved in the UK and is currently active, with further information available at the following link:https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04607421?term=BREAKWATER&viewType=Card&rank=1Department officials regularly discuss a range of topics with colleagues in the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and NICE.
What discussions his Department has had with (a) the MHRA and (B) NICE regarding the BREAKWATER treatment protocol for patients with BRAF‑mutated bowel cancer.
The National Health Service in England is legally required to fund medicines in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) recommendations. Current treatment options for BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer depend on the stage of the disease and previous treatments. Several medicines for the treatment of colorectal cancer have been recommended by NICE. NICE has also recommended encorafenib in combination with cetuximab as an option for treating BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic colorectal cancer after previous systemic treatment.The BREAKWATER study is investigating encorafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, in combination with cetuximab and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for the potential treatment of colorectal cancer. This regimen does not currently have a United Kingdom marketing authorisation for use in the treatment of previously untreated BRAF V600E mutation positive metastatic colorectal cancer. NICE has prioritised an appraisal of encorafenib for this indication in anticipation of it being granted a UK marketing authorisation and will schedule the appraisal so that guidance can be published as close as possible to the expected licensing date. The joint licensing and health technology appraisal pathway was launched on 1 April. It is not possible at this stage to confirm whether the appraisal will follow the joint pathway. Further information on the appraisal’s status is publicly available on NICE’s website, at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/awaiting-development/gid-ta11961The clinical trial was assessed and approved in the UK and is currently active, with further information available at the following link:https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04607421?term=BREAKWATER&viewType=Card&rank=1Department officials regularly discuss a range of topics with colleagues in the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and NICE.
Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of capping the strength of nicotine pouches to 20 milligrams of nicotine per pouch.
Nicotine pouches are highly addictive and we have a duty to protect children and young people from potential harms.Unlike vapes, there are no legally established nicotine limits for pouches, with strengths ranging from two milligram to 50 milligram or more per pouch.This is why the Tobacco and Vapes Bill includes powers to regulate the packaging, flavours, and product standards of all vapes and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches. The bill will also introduce age of sale restrictions to 18 years old for nicotine pouches and will ban their advertising and sponsorship.We ran a call for evidence on nicotine limits, amongst other tobacco and vaping issues, at the end of last year. We plan to consult on future regulatory plans in due course.
What the difference is between the proposed Public-Private Partnership model for Neighbourhood Health Centres and the Private Finance Initiative.
Public Private Partnership (PPP) is the umbrella term for various public-private partnerships. Private Finance Initiative is a specific, strict form of PPP.We are developing a new PPP model for neighbourhood health centres (NHCs) which is being led by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), and supported by the Department. NISTA and the Department will continue to work with the market to further develop the new PPP model for NHCs with further engagement later this year. The new model will build on lessons from the past, including the National Audit Office’s 2025 report on private finance and other models currently in use. To ensure they are managed transparently and are fiscally sustainable, any NHC PPP projects will be budgeted for as if they are on balance sheet.We are not bringing back PFI for the new PPP model for NHCs.
Whether he plans to have discussions with families impacted by sodium valproate on the design of a compensation scheme.
The Government is carefully considering the valuable work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and the resulting Hughes Report. The report sets out options for redress for those harmed by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh and makes recommendations. Whilst no decision on providing a redress scheme has been made, the Government will make sure patient voices are a part of this work.
What recent discussions he has held with Cabinet Colleagues regarding funding for financial redress to people affected by sodium valproate.
The Government is carefully considering the valuable work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and the resulting Hughes Report, which sets out options for redress for those harmed by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh.The Government recently responded to a statutory request by the Patient Safety Commissioner in which she requested information on Government advice, meetings, and progress regarding the Hughes Report and patient redress since October 2023. This response can be found on the Patient Safety Commissioner’s website. The Government’s response makes clear that work to consider the Hughes Report recommendations has been ongoing and includes cross-Government engagement.
Whether he plans to make interim payments to people affected by sodium valproate.
The Government is carefully considering the valuable work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and the resulting Hughes Report, which sets out options for redress for those harmed by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. This is a complex issue, and the Government's priority is to ensure that any response is fair, balanced and sensitive to those affected. The Department is carefully considering the recommendations within the Hughes Report, including providing interim payments, in collaboration with relevant departments, and we aim to provide an update in due course.
What plans his Department has to ensure continuity of specialist weight management services, including workforce capacity and multidisciplinary provision, during the transition following the abolition of NHS England.
The National Health Service and local government provide a range of weight management services. This includes behaviour change support such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, intensive treatments like very low-calorie diets, pharmaceutical treatments, and bariatric surgery. NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for arranging the provision of health services, such as specialist weight management services, within their area, in line with local population need, and taking account of relevant guidance.NHS England will continue to carry out its existing responsibilities and statutory functions during the transition period following the Government’s decision to abolish the organisation. This includes commissioning the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, oversight of NHS weight management services, and providing guidance, clinical leadership, and performance oversight of ICBs, while the Government brings forward legislation to amend the Department’s responsibilities.Work is progressing at pace to develop the design and operating model for the new integrated organisation, and to plan for the smooth transfer of people, functions, and responsibilities. It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, as is due process. These ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.Until the transfer of its functions, NHS England will continue to work with ICBs and providers to support the continuity of multidisciplinary provision and workforce capacity, and access to services across England.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the abolition of NHS England on the commissioning, oversight and consistency of access to weight management services across England.
The National Health Service and local government provide a range of weight management services. This includes behaviour change support such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, intensive treatments like very low-calorie diets, pharmaceutical treatments, and bariatric surgery. NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for arranging the provision of health services, such as specialist weight management services, within their area, in line with local population need, and taking account of relevant guidance.NHS England will continue to carry out its existing responsibilities and statutory functions during the transition period following the Government’s decision to abolish the organisation. This includes commissioning the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, oversight of NHS weight management services, and providing guidance, clinical leadership, and performance oversight of ICBs, while the Government brings forward legislation to amend the Department’s responsibilities.Work is progressing at pace to develop the design and operating model for the new integrated organisation, and to plan for the smooth transfer of people, functions, and responsibilities. It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, as is due process. These ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.Until the transfer of its functions, NHS England will continue to work with ICBs and providers to support the continuity of multidisciplinary provision and workforce capacity, and access to services across England.
Where responsibility for national leadership and accountability for obesity and weight management services will sit following the abolition of NHS England; and what steps he is taking to prevent regional variation in access to those services.
The National Health Service and local government provide a range of weight management services. This includes behaviour change support such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, intensive treatments like very low-calorie diets, pharmaceutical treatments, and bariatric surgery. NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for arranging the provision of health services, such as specialist weight management services, within their area, in line with local population need, and taking account of relevant guidance.NHS England will continue to carry out its existing responsibilities and statutory functions during the transition period following the Government’s decision to abolish the organisation. This includes commissioning the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, oversight of NHS weight management services, and providing guidance, clinical leadership, and performance oversight of ICBs, while the Government brings forward legislation to amend the Department’s responsibilities.Work is progressing at pace to develop the design and operating model for the new integrated organisation, and to plan for the smooth transfer of people, functions, and responsibilities. It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, as is due process. These ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.Until the transfer of its functions, NHS England will continue to work with ICBs and providers to support the continuity of multidisciplinary provision and workforce capacity, and access to services across England.
What steps he is taking to ensure NHS workforce planning in England is (a) independent and (b) regular.
We have committed to publishing regular workforce planning. This will start with the 10 Year Workforce Plan, which will include updated workforce modelling and its underlying assumptions when published in spring 2026. The updated workforce modelling will be supported by independent external scrutiny to assess and test it.
If he will take steps to establish a centralised dataset on localised ADHD assessment waiting times.
The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown significantly in recent years and that people are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future and recognises the need for early intervention and support.For the first time, NHS England published management information on ADHD assessment waiting times at a national level on 29 May 2025 as part of its ADHD data improvement plan. Data is now released each quarter with the latest release in August 2025. Data on ADHD waiting times at an integrated care board (ICB) level is not currently held centrally. NHS England has released technical guidance to ICBs to improve the recording of ADHD data, with a view to improving data quality and publishing more localised data. NHS England intends to publish data at an ICB level in 2026/27. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 4 December the launch of an Independent Review into Prevalence and Support for Mental Health Conditions, ADHD, and Autism. This independent review will inform our approach to enabling people with ADHD to have the right support in place to enable them to live well in their communities.
Whether the workforce modelling used as the basis for the 10 Year Workforce Plan will be independent; and whether the results of that modelling will be independently assessed and tested.
We have committed to updating workforce modelling which will be set out in and alongside the 10 Year Workforce Plan when published in spring 2026. This will be supported by external scrutiny to independently assess and test it.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of holding regional public consultation events as part of the independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.
The independent review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism will appoint an advisory working group. This will be a multidisciplinary group of leading academics, clinicians, epidemiological experts, charities and people with lived experience to directly shape the recommendations and scrutinise the evidence.Ahead of launching the independent review, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, held discussions with a range of mental health, ADHD, and autism stakeholders on the scope of the review.As this is an independent review, it is therefore for the Chair and vice-chairs to consider who to consult and the relevant forums for engagement, that are relevant to deliver the terms of reference set by the Department.