Written questions by Vickers.

What steps his Department is taking to improve the provision of (a) counselling and (b) other psychological support for victims of crime.

We recognise that too many victims and survivors of crime are not getting the mental health support or care they need. The 10-Year Health Plan sets out ambitious plans to transform mental health services to improve access and treatment, and to promote good mental health and wellbeing for the nation. This includes improving assertive outreach, investing in mental health emergency departments and neighbourhood mental health centres, and increasing access to talking therapies and evidence-based digital interventions. The recently published Medium Term Planning Framework sets targets for integrated care boards to expand coverage of mental health support teams in schools and colleges and expand NHS Talking Therapies and Individual Placement Support schemes by 2029. We continue to work with all parts of the system, including the National Health Service, policing, and justice services, to support and protect victims of crime.

What assessment he has made of recent trends in the length of NHS waiting lists.

We are clear that the extent of waits for vital treatment is unacceptable, and cutting waiting lists is a key priority for the Government. We have committed to returning to the National Health Service constitutional standard that 92% of patients should wait no longer than 18 weeks from Referral to Treatment by March 2029.We are making good progress. As of August 2025, there has been a reduction in the waiting list of over 206,000 since the Government came into office, despite over 24.5 million referrals onto the list in that period. Between July 2024 and June 2025, we delivered 5.2 million additional appointments compared to the previous year, more than double our pledge of two million. This marks a vital first step towards delivering the constitutional standard.

What steps he is taking to improve cancer outcomes.

We are committed to transforming cancer services. The National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, and improving this country’s cancer survival rates. Having consulted with key stakeholders and patient groups, I confirm that the plan will be published early in the new year.We will support the National Health Service to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. We have already invested £70 million in new radiotherapy machines. The Government is investing an extra £26 billion in the NHS and is opening up community diagnostic centres at evening and weekends, to help catch cancer earlier.Furthermore, NHS England has completed the national roll-out of non-specific symptom pathways to support faster diagnosis of cancer in patients who present with symptoms that do not align with a single cancer site.The NHS has exceeded its pledge to deliver an extra two million appointments, having now delivered over five million more appointments as the first step to ensuring earlier and faster access to treatment.Additionally, reducing inequalities is a key priority for the National Cancer Plan, which will look at the targeted improvements needed across different cancer types to reduce disparities in cancer survival. This includes looking at protected characteristics, such as ethnicity, as well as inequalities related to socioeconomic status, and geographic location.

What steps he is taking to increase access to care in the community.

The Neighbourhood Health Service will increase access to care in the community and will embody our new preventative principle that care should happen as locally as it can, digitally by default, in a person’s home if possible, in a neighbourhood health centre when needed, and only in a hospital if necessary.This will be achieved by increasing capacity in primary and community care settings. We are committed to ensuring that there is a higher growth in investment in primary and community services than in hospitals, and to making the most of local community assets.Neighbourhood health centres will provide easier, more convenient access to a full range of health and care services on people’s doorsteps, joining up the National Health Service and local authority and voluntary sector services as a one-stop shop. Rollout will be progressive over this Parliament, with early sites focussing on the areas of greatest need.Neighbourhood health services will bring together teams of professionals closer to people’s home, including nurses, doctors, social care workers, pharmacists, health visitors, and more, to work together to provide comprehensive care in the community.Through the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, we are supporting 43 areas across England to drive innovation and integration locally, accelerating improvements in outcomes, satisfaction, and experiences by ensuring care is more joined-up, accessible, and responsive to community needs.

What steps he is taking to ensure access to affordable medicines on the NHS.

We recognise that the pharmaceutical sector, and the innovative medicines it produces, is critical to our National Health Service, our economy, and the Plan for Change. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence will continue to support the adoption of new medicines in a way that provides the most health benefit for society and which represents value to the taxpayer through the development of authoritative, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on whether new licensed medicines should be routinely funded by the NHS.The voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing, access, and growth continues to help improve access to cutting-edge treatments for NHS patients while keeping the medicines bill sustainable for taxpayers. Meanwhile, through our Life Sciences Sector Plan, we have committed to the United Kingdom becoming one of the top three fastest places in Europe for patient access to medicines by 2030. To support this, we will work with industry to accelerate growth in spending on innovative medicines compared to the previous decade.We have also committed to becoming a leader in the uptake of off-patent medicines, with an opportunity to save £1 billion over five years by driving early and widespread uptake of new biosimilar drugs.

What steps he is taking to implement the Women's Health Strategy for England.

We are turning the commitments in the Women's Health Strategy into tangible action by delivering 5.2 million extra appointments, tackling gynaecology waiting lists by using the private sector, and by shortly making emergency hormonal contraception free in pharmacies.The 2022 Women's Health Strategy identified many important issues which remain valid, so we now need to align the strategy with the 10-Year Health Plan and identify areas where we need to go further, which is why we are renewing the Women’s Health Strategy, to assess the progress that has been made so far and to continue progressing delivery.

What recent steps he has taken to increase NHS capacity in winter 2025-26.

We have done more than ever to prepare for this winter, including stress testing winter plans, making sure community teams have the vaccines they need, and identifying patients most vulnerable in winter.The Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Plan for 2025/26, published on 6 June 2025, focuses on those improvements that will see the biggest impact on UEC performance this winter and on making UEC better every day, backed by a total of nearly £450 million of funding. The plan commits to increasing the number of patients receiving urgent care in the community by expanding services such as urgent community response, neighbourhood multidisciplinary teams and increasing the use of virtual wards, also known as hospital at home. This will support winter resilience by expanding and optimising services such as urgent community response and increasing the use of virtual wards in each integrated care system, as well as planning with the ambulance services and 111 how to use this capacity most effectively.

What steps he is taking to help prevent industrial action in the NHS.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and officials from the Department, on his behalf, regularly meet with representatives of the health trade unions to understand the views and concerns of the National Health Service’s workforces in England which they represent. He has been clear that he wants to continue to work constructively with all trade unions to improve the working conditions of all NHS staff and avoid unnecessary industrial action.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has accepted all headline pay recommendations from the independent pay review bodies for 2025/26 so that all NHS staff in England received a fair and sustainable pay rise, has committed to funding improvements to the Agenda for Change pay structure for staff such as porters, nurses, and paramedics, and is working with NHS England to implement a 10 point plan to improve resident doctors’ working lives.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care made a written offer on 5 November to the British Medical Association Resident Doctors Committee (BMA RDC) which included measures to tackle bottlenecks in training, put money back in resident doctors' pockets and ensure that there is consistent implementation of existing contractual entitlements. Unfortunately, the BMA RDC rejected this just hours after being set out in a letter to them, instead choosing to proceed with the damaging strike action taken between 14-19 November.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of funding a new hospital to replace the University Hospital of North Tees.

Repairing and rebuilding our healthcare estate is a vital part of our ambition to create a National Health Service that is fit for the future through our 10-Year Health Plan.We recognise that delivering high quality NHS healthcare services requires safe, sustainable, and effective infrastructure. That is why we prioritised investment in healthcare at the recent Spending Review, which delivered the largest ever health capital budget.However, the New Hospital Programme (NHP) is the current mechanism for the delivery of hospitals and there are currently no plans to invite further schemes to join the NHP. The focus of the NHP is on delivery aligned to our Plan for Implementation. As such, the Department has made no assessment of the potential merits of funding a new hospital to replace the University Hospital of North Tees.

What discussions he has had with NHS leaders on NHS workforce deployment from areas with staff surpluses to those with acute staffing deficits.

The Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan to create a workforce that is ready to deliver the transformed service set out in the 10-Year Health Plan. The plan will ensure that the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the information available on the NHS website for patients with Ehlers Danlos syndromes.

The National Health Service website offers comprehensive information to the public on Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), covering the symptoms, types, diagnosis, treatment, and how it is inherited. This includes detailed descriptions for the most common type, hypermobile EDS, as well as more serious but rarer types like vascular EDS. It also links to external sources of advice, like Ehlers-Danlos Support UK and the Hypermobility Syndromes Association, to provide a wider range of detailed, expert information.

What estimate his Department has made of the cost of (a) maintaining facilities at the University Hospital of North Tees and (b) constructing a replacement hospital.

NHS England’s annual Estates Returns Information Collection (ERIC) is our main source of information on the costs of maintaining acute hospital sites, including the University Hospital of North Tees.The latest published data (2024/25) on costs, including estates and property maintenance and hard and soft facilities management, is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/estates-returns-information-collection/summary-page-and-dataset-for-eric-2024-25The New Hospital Programme (NHP) is the current mechanism for the delivery of hospitals and there are currently no plans to invite further schemes to join the NHP. The focus of the NHP is on delivery aligned to our Plan for Implementation. As such, there are no current estimates of the cost of constructing a replacement hospital.

Whether his Department plans to include North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in future phases of the New Hospital Programme.

The focus of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) is on the delivery of schemes in line with the Plan for Implementation. This was deposited into the House Library and is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-hospital-programme-review-outcomeThere are currently no plans to invite further schemes to join the NHP.

What discussions he has had with (a) NHS England and (b) Tees Valley Combined Authority on options for (i) funding and (ii) delivering a new hospital to serve Teesside.

We recognise that delivering high quality National Health Service services requires safe, sustainable, and effective infrastructure. That is why we prioritised investment in healthcare at the recent Spending Review 2025 – delivering the largest ever health capital budget.The New Hospital Programme (NHP) is the current mechanism for the delivery of hospitals and there are currently no plans to invite further schemes to join the NHP. The focus of the NHP is on delivery aligned to our Plan for Implementation. As such, there have been no discussions with NHS England and Tees Valley Combined Authority on options for funding and delivering a new hospital for Teesside.It is possible that local NHS organisations could develop new health infrastructure using existing funding, short of a new hospital, if it aligns with their local priorities.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) access to specialist (i) diagnosis and (ii) treatment and (b) other NHS services for people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

We recognise the negative impact that postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) has on patients, and the cost to health and care services and the wider economy through, for example, loss of work and an increased benefits bill.Improving health outcomes for everyone living with a long-term condition, including PoTS, is a key part of the Government's mission to build a National Health Service fit for the future.We are investing in additional capacity to deliver appointments to help bring waiting lists and times down. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the specific productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard, that 92% of patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.Additionally, the shifts outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan will free up hospital-based consultants’ time by shifting care from hospitals to communities, utilising digital technology to reduce administrative burdens, and promoting prevention to reduce the onset and severity of conditions that lead to hospital admissions. This includes expanding community-based services, employing artificial intelligence for productivity, developing integrated neighbourhood health teams, and investing in digital tools and data. These shifts will allow specialists to focus on more complex cases of PoTS, enabling earlier identification and management, and improved patient outcomes.By shifting care into the community through Neighbourhood Health Services, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary models of care, and through the expansion of personalised care plans, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will ensure that people with conditions like PoTS receive more timely and accessible support closer to home.

What recent discussions his Department has had with NHS England on improving (a) referral pathways and (b) specialist service provision for people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

We recognise the negative impact that postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) has on patients, and the cost to health and care services and the wider economy through, for example, loss of work and an increased benefits bill.Improving health outcomes for everyone living with a long-term condition, including PoTS, is a key part of the Government's mission to build a National Health Service fit for the future.We are investing in additional capacity to deliver appointments to help bring waiting lists and times down. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the specific productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard, that 92% of patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.Additionally, the shifts outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan will free up hospital-based consultants’ time by shifting care from hospitals to communities, utilising digital technology to reduce administrative burdens, and promoting prevention to reduce the onset and severity of conditions that lead to hospital admissions. This includes expanding community-based services, employing artificial intelligence for productivity, developing integrated neighbourhood health teams, and investing in digital tools and data. These shifts will allow specialists to focus on more complex cases of PoTS, enabling earlier identification and management, and improved patient outcomes.By shifting care into the community through Neighbourhood Health Services, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary models of care, and through the expansion of personalised care plans, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will ensure that people with conditions like PoTS receive more timely and accessible support closer to home.

What steps he is taking to reduce average diagnosis times for people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

We recognise the negative impact that postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) has on patients, and the cost to health and care services and the wider economy through, for example, loss of work and an increased benefits bill.Improving health outcomes for everyone living with a long-term condition, including PoTS, is a key part of the Government's mission to build a National Health Service fit for the future.We are investing in additional capacity to deliver appointments to help bring waiting lists and times down. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the specific productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard, that 92% of patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.Additionally, the shifts outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan will free up hospital-based consultants’ time by shifting care from hospitals to communities, utilising digital technology to reduce administrative burdens, and promoting prevention to reduce the onset and severity of conditions that lead to hospital admissions. This includes expanding community-based services, employing artificial intelligence for productivity, developing integrated neighbourhood health teams, and investing in digital tools and data. These shifts will allow specialists to focus on more complex cases of PoTS, enabling earlier identification and management, and improved patient outcomes.By shifting care into the community through Neighbourhood Health Services, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary models of care, and through the expansion of personalised care plans, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will ensure that people with conditions like PoTS receive more timely and accessible support closer to home.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the (a) time taken to diagnose and (b) management of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome on (i) the economy and (ii) workforce participation.

We recognise the negative impact that postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) has on patients, and the cost to health and care services and the wider economy through, for example, loss of work and an increased benefits bill.Improving health outcomes for everyone living with a long-term condition, including PoTS, is a key part of the Government's mission to build a National Health Service fit for the future.We are investing in additional capacity to deliver appointments to help bring waiting lists and times down. The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the specific productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the constitutional standard, that 92% of patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.Additionally, the shifts outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan will free up hospital-based consultants’ time by shifting care from hospitals to communities, utilising digital technology to reduce administrative burdens, and promoting prevention to reduce the onset and severity of conditions that lead to hospital admissions. This includes expanding community-based services, employing artificial intelligence for productivity, developing integrated neighbourhood health teams, and investing in digital tools and data. These shifts will allow specialists to focus on more complex cases of PoTS, enabling earlier identification and management, and improved patient outcomes.By shifting care into the community through Neighbourhood Health Services, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary models of care, and through the expansion of personalised care plans, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will ensure that people with conditions like PoTS receive more timely and accessible support closer to home.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that healthcare professionals receive appropriate training on (a) identifying and (b) managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome effectively.

The Department does not hold data on the number of people diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) in England in 2020 and 2025. There are no relevant codes in the Hospital Episode Statistics database that identify PoTS.PoTS UK, however, estimates that 0.2% of the United Kingdom population has PoTS, which would equate to approximately 130,000 people.In our recently published 10-Year Health Plan, we announced that we will introduce a new Single Patient Record across the National Health Service. The Single Patient Record will bring together a patient’s medical records all into one place. It will mean that no matter where a patient is accessing care, in the community or in a hospital, the care provider will have a comprehensive understanding of their medical history, including for many patients with PoTS.To improve awareness of PoTS amongst healthcare professionals, and specifically general practitioners (GPs), the Royal College of General Practitioners provides training on PoTS as part of its Syncope toolkit, which is available at the following link:https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/view.php?id=500The Syncope toolkit includes an e-learning module, a podcast, and a webinar, and provides GPs with information about the diagnosis and management of PoTS. The webinar gives GPs the opportunity to hear the lived experience perspective of a patient representative from PoTS UK.The National Institute for Care Excellence has also published a clinical knowledge summary on the clinical management of blackouts and syncope, that provides advice for clinicians in the United Kingdom on best practice in the assessment and diagnosis of PoTS. This was last updated in November 2023, and is available at the following link:https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/blackouts-syncope/diagnosis/assessment/It is the responsibility of local integrated care boards to work with clinicians, service users, and patient groups to develop services and care pathways that are convenient and meet the needs of patients with PoTS.

What data his Department holds on the number of people diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in England in (a) 2020 and (b) 2025.

The Department does not hold data on the number of people diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) in England in 2020 and 2025. There are no relevant codes in the Hospital Episode Statistics database that identify PoTS.PoTS UK, however, estimates that 0.2% of the United Kingdom population has PoTS, which would equate to approximately 130,000 people.In our recently published 10-Year Health Plan, we announced that we will introduce a new Single Patient Record across the National Health Service. The Single Patient Record will bring together a patient’s medical records all into one place. It will mean that no matter where a patient is accessing care, in the community or in a hospital, the care provider will have a comprehensive understanding of their medical history, including for many patients with PoTS.To improve awareness of PoTS amongst healthcare professionals, and specifically general practitioners (GPs), the Royal College of General Practitioners provides training on PoTS as part of its Syncope toolkit, which is available at the following link:https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/view.php?id=500The Syncope toolkit includes an e-learning module, a podcast, and a webinar, and provides GPs with information about the diagnosis and management of PoTS. The webinar gives GPs the opportunity to hear the lived experience perspective of a patient representative from PoTS UK.The National Institute for Care Excellence has also published a clinical knowledge summary on the clinical management of blackouts and syncope, that provides advice for clinicians in the United Kingdom on best practice in the assessment and diagnosis of PoTS. This was last updated in November 2023, and is available at the following link:https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/blackouts-syncope/diagnosis/assessment/It is the responsibility of local integrated care boards to work with clinicians, service users, and patient groups to develop services and care pathways that are convenient and meet the needs of patients with PoTS.