Written questions by Wilson.

What steps he is taking to improve working conditions for doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to support the recruitment of doctors.

Awaiting answer.

Which capital projects have been (a) cancelled, (b) delayed, (c) descoped and (d) reprofiled to fund the Defence Investment Plan by region, original funding allocation and revised funding allocation.

Awaiting answer.

What training his Department provides on AI; and (a) how many hours and (b) what topics and skills are covered by such training.

Awaiting answer.

If he will have discussions with NICE on developing a fast track approval process for covid-19 treatments for the immuno-compromised.

There are no plans to ask the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to establish a fast-track approval process for COVID-19 treatments. NICE evaluates all new licensed medicines, including COVID-19 treatments, and aims wherever possible...

What steps he is taking to ensure the Department retains the necessary expertise across healthcare when NHS England is abolished.

The Government recognises that delivering reform and maintaining performance depends on retaining the right skills, knowledge, and experience that exists across both our current workforces in NHS England and the Department. The changes proposed are not a ...

If he will ensure that Allied Health Professional leadership will be included in the Department following the abolition of NHS England.

The proposed abolition of NHS England and the associated transfer and modification of functions is subject to legislation and the will of Parliament. We will be engaging with partners inside and outside the organisations as the process to design the futur...

How many vacancies there are for (a) neuro-phsyiotherapists, (b) occupational therapists, and (c) speech and language therapists in NHS stroke units.

The Department does not hold vacancy rates that are granular enough to identify rates for neuro-phsyiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists in National Health Service stroke units.NHS England publishes quarterly vacancy statistics for total staffing, registered nurses, and medical staff across the NHS. Data is not available at a more detailed staff group level or by the setting in which staff work. The latest published data can be found at the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-vacancies-survey

What estimate he has made of the cost of ensuring every stroke survivor receives a 6-month post-stroke review.

NHS England’s national Stroke Programme has undertaken work to understand the value and impact of six‑month post‑stroke reviews, particularly through the development of the Integrated Community Stroke Service (ICSS) model and the Stroke Quality Improvement in Rehabilitation (SQuIRe) programme. Overall, the emerging evidence demonstrates that six‑month reviews are likely to provide a positive mechanism for identifying unmet need, enabling personalised care, and supporting longer‑term recovery and self‑management. The learning from SQuIRe continues to inform the national ICSS model and future commissioning guidance. The ICSS model includes tailored, patient-centred reablement care. As part of this, through the SQuIRe programme, NHS England has funded several projects testing models of delivery of six month reviews, working closely with third sector partners, such as the Stroke Association. Analysis of these projects is pending.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits for every stroke survivor to have a 6 month review post-stroke.

NHS England’s national Stroke Programme has undertaken work to understand the value and impact of six‑month post‑stroke reviews, particularly through the development of the Integrated Community Stroke Service (ICSS) model and the Stroke Quality Improvement in Rehabilitation (SQuIRe) programme. Overall, the emerging evidence demonstrates that six‑month reviews are likely to provide a positive mechanism for identifying unmet need, enabling personalised care, and supporting longer‑term recovery and self‑management. The learning from SQuIRe continues to inform the national ICSS model and future commissioning guidance. The ICSS model includes tailored, patient-centred reablement care. As part of this, through the SQuIRe programme, NHS England has funded several projects testing models of delivery of six month reviews, working closely with third sector partners, such as the Stroke Association. Analysis of these projects is pending.

What steps he is taking to help support families with someone suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.

NHS England commissions the specialised elements of motor neurone disease (MND) care that patients may receive from 27 specialised neurology centres across England. Within these specialised centres, neurological multidisciplinary teams ensure patients can access a range of health professionals and specialised treatment and support, according to their needs.At the national level, there are a number of initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with MND, including the Getting It Right First Time Programme for Neurology and the RightCare Progressive Neurological Conditions Toolkit.Baroness Casey has set out that the Government must take immediate action on MND. Where someone has a severe, reasonably predictable, and life-limiting condition, it is essential that we provide rapid access to the support they need, and we will take forward immediate work to develop a fast-track process, or “passport”, that speeds up assessments and access to care for people diagnosed with MND. We will consider how best to safely implement a process that expedites assessments and gets people with MND the care and support they need more quickly.The Government has provided £6 million in funding for the MND Translational Accelerator, which aims to speed up the development of treatments for MND, and £2 million in funding for the MND Data Catalyst, to accelerate the discovery of new diagnostics, treatments, and support better care for MND patients. Twelve projects have been funded through the accelerator, and all aimed at speeding up the development of treatments for MND.The Government has also invested £8 million through the National Institute for Health and Care Research for the EXPERTS-ALS study, a pre-clinical study which is designed to accelerate the identification and testing of the most promising treatment candidates for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common form of MND.Local authorities have duties to support people caring for their family and friends. The Care Act 2014 requires local authorities to deliver a wide range of high-quality care and support services, including support for unpaid carers.The Government recognises the vital role of unpaid carers and is committed to ensuring they have the support they need. Through measures in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are equipping and supporting carers by making them more visible, empowering their voices in care planning, joining up services, and streamlining their caring tasks by introducing a new ‘MyCarer’ section to the NHS App.

What steps he is taking to help expand access to treatment for those with Motor Neurone Disease.

NHS England commissions the specialised elements of motor neurone disease (MND) care that patients may receive from 27 specialised neurology centres across England. Within these specialised centres, neurological multidisciplinary teams ensure patients can access a range of health professionals and specialised treatment and support, according to their needs.At the national level, there are a number of initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with MND, including the Getting It Right First Time Programme for Neurology and the RightCare Progressive Neurological Conditions Toolkit.Baroness Casey has set out that the Government must take immediate action on MND. Where someone has a severe, reasonably predictable, and life-limiting condition, it is essential that we provide rapid access to the support they need, and we will take forward immediate work to develop a fast-track process, or “passport”, that speeds up assessments and access to care for people diagnosed with MND. We will consider how best to safely implement a process that expedites assessments and gets people with MND the care and support they need more quickly.The Government has provided £6 million in funding for the MND Translational Accelerator, which aims to speed up the development of treatments for MND, and £2 million in funding for the MND Data Catalyst, to accelerate the discovery of new diagnostics, treatments, and support better care for MND patients. Twelve projects have been funded through the accelerator, and all aimed at speeding up the development of treatments for MND.The Government has also invested £8 million through the National Institute for Health and Care Research for the EXPERTS-ALS study, a pre-clinical study which is designed to accelerate the identification and testing of the most promising treatment candidates for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common form of MND.Local authorities have duties to support people caring for their family and friends. The Care Act 2014 requires local authorities to deliver a wide range of high-quality care and support services, including support for unpaid carers.The Government recognises the vital role of unpaid carers and is committed to ensuring they have the support they need. Through measures in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are equipping and supporting carers by making them more visible, empowering their voices in care planning, joining up services, and streamlining their caring tasks by introducing a new ‘MyCarer’ section to the NHS App.

What steps he is taking to help support people with Motor Neurone Disease.

NHS England commissions the specialised elements of motor neurone disease (MND) care that patients may receive from 27 specialised neurology centres across England. Within these specialised centres, neurological multidisciplinary teams ensure patients can access a range of health professionals and specialised treatment and support, according to their needs.At the national level, there are a number of initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with MND, including the Getting It Right First Time Programme for Neurology and the RightCare Progressive Neurological Conditions Toolkit.Baroness Casey has set out that the Government must take immediate action on MND. Where someone has a severe, reasonably predictable, and life-limiting condition, it is essential that we provide rapid access to the support they need, and we will take forward immediate work to develop a fast-track process, or “passport”, that speeds up assessments and access to care for people diagnosed with MND. We will consider how best to safely implement a process that expedites assessments and gets people with MND the care and support they need more quickly.The Government has provided £6 million in funding for the MND Translational Accelerator, which aims to speed up the development of treatments for MND, and £2 million in funding for the MND Data Catalyst, to accelerate the discovery of new diagnostics, treatments, and support better care for MND patients. Twelve projects have been funded through the accelerator, and all aimed at speeding up the development of treatments for MND.The Government has also invested £8 million through the National Institute for Health and Care Research for the EXPERTS-ALS study, a pre-clinical study which is designed to accelerate the identification and testing of the most promising treatment candidates for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common form of MND.Local authorities have duties to support people caring for their family and friends. The Care Act 2014 requires local authorities to deliver a wide range of high-quality care and support services, including support for unpaid carers.The Government recognises the vital role of unpaid carers and is committed to ensuring they have the support they need. Through measures in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are equipping and supporting carers by making them more visible, empowering their voices in care planning, joining up services, and streamlining their caring tasks by introducing a new ‘MyCarer’ section to the NHS App.

What assessment he has made of the economic cost of working-age stroke survivors not receiving suitable stroke rehabilitation.

The Government is committed to ensuring that stroke survivors receive high quality rehabilitation, recognising the economic, personal and wider impacts of strokes.The National Stroke Service Model provides best practice for stroke care, including post-discharge, which should include comprehensive rehabilitation and personalised care and support. The model sets that that local stroke systems need to ensure that all stroke survivors are appropriately offered a comprehensive holistic and person-centred six-month post-stroke review.The National Stroke Quality Improvement in Rehabilitation programme is helping to transform community-based care by increasing access to specialist stroke rehabilitation at home.

What assessment he has made of the level of support needed for those suffering with Long Covid.

The Government is aware that post-acute infection conditions, such as Long Covid, can have a devastating effect on those who suffer from them. We are committed to taking a comprehensive and compassionate approach to supporting individuals with post-acute infection conditions such as Long Covid, recognising the unique challenges these conditions present.NHS England has invested significantly in supporting people with Long Covid. This includes setting up specialist post-COVID, or Long Covid, services nationwide for adults, and children and young people, and investing in ensuring general practice teams are equipped to support people affected by the condition.Since April 2024, in line with the National Health Service operating framework and the establishment of integrated care systems, commissioning of post-COVID services has been the responsibility of local integrated care boards to meet the needs of their population, subject to local prioritisation and funding.Where referral into a Long Covid service is not possible, for example because a service has closed or is due to close, general practitioners can refer patients into other appropriate existing NHS pathways, depending on their clinical needs.To support clinical leadership in this area, NHS England worked in partnership with the British Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine to establish the International Post Covid and Post Infection Conditions Society to facilitate the ongoing sharing of best practice to support people affected by Long Covid.Officials routinely engage with other government departments on Long Covid-related issues which span departmental boundaries.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting people with Long Covid.

The Government is aware that post-acute infection conditions, such as Long Covid, can have a devastating effect on those who suffer from them. We are committed to taking a comprehensive and compassionate approach to supporting individuals with post-acute infection conditions such as Long Covid, recognising the unique challenges these conditions present.NHS England has invested significantly in supporting people with Long Covid. This includes setting up specialist post-COVID, or Long Covid, services nationwide for adults, and children and young people, and investing in ensuring general practice teams are equipped to support people affected by the condition.Since April 2024, in line with the National Health Service operating framework and the establishment of integrated care systems, commissioning of post-COVID services has been the responsibility of local integrated care boards to meet the needs of their population, subject to local prioritisation and funding.Where referral into a Long Covid service is not possible, for example because a service has closed or is due to close, general practitioners can refer patients into other appropriate existing NHS pathways, depending on their clinical needs.To support clinical leadership in this area, NHS England worked in partnership with the British Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine to establish the International Post Covid and Post Infection Conditions Society to facilitate the ongoing sharing of best practice to support people affected by Long Covid.Officials routinely engage with other government departments on Long Covid-related issues which span departmental boundaries.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 March 2026 to Question 117420, a) which areas have received funding to deliver 24/7 thrombectomy and b) the date by which they are expected to have 24/7 access in place.

All thrombectomy centres have received funding aligned with individual provider readiness and implementation plans to deliver extended hours and 24/7 provision. Total recurrent national investment in mechanical thrombectomy in 2025/26 is in excess of £100 million.A targeted approach to additional national investment 2026/27 was taken in recognition of disparities in historical investment due to provider readiness to achieve 24/7 provision.This funding was targeted to the North East and Yorkshire, Midlands, and the South East regions to secure 24/7 access to service provision.The approved funding was confirmed to regions in February 2026, to enable 24/7 service delivery from 1 April 2026.

What steps he is taking to raise awareness about early diagnosis of lobular breast cancer.

The Department is committed to getting the National Health Service diagnosing cancer earlier and treating it faster so that more patients, including those with lobular breast cancer, survive this horrible set of diseases. There are multiple NHS initiatives and funding streams across the NHS in England that support the early detection of lobular breast cancer, and many organisations across the health service are involved.The Government recognises the crucial need for research into all forms of cancer to support earlier diagnosis, including for lobular breast cancer. In November 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) issued a highlight notice encouraging applications for new research into lobular breast cancer, to improve the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients. The NIHR continues to welcome high quality funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including lobular breast cancer.The Breast Screening Risk Adaptive Imaging for Density trial is looking into the use of supplementary imaging techniques for women within the standard breast screening programme who are found to have radiographically dense breast tissue. The different tests include magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. The UK National Screening Committee is in contact with the researchers and is reviewing this evidence as it becomes available. It will make recommendations to ministers in light of this.To raise awareness about early diagnosis of lobular breast cancer, the NHS in England encourages everyone to check their breast regularly for changes or thickened areas of tissue, and to consult their general practitioner straight away if they have any concerns. To increase knowledge of cancer symptoms, including lobular breast cancer, and address barriers to acting on them, the NHS runs Help Us Help You campaigns. These campaigns focus on recognising a range of symptoms, as well as encouraging body awareness, to help people spot symptoms across a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, at an earlier stage.

What steps he is taking to improve early diagnosis of lobular breast cancer.

The Department is committed to getting the National Health Service diagnosing cancer earlier and treating it faster so that more patients, including those with lobular breast cancer, survive this horrible set of diseases. There are multiple NHS initiatives and funding streams across the NHS in England that support the early detection of lobular breast cancer, and many organisations across the health service are involved.The Government recognises the crucial need for research into all forms of cancer to support earlier diagnosis, including for lobular breast cancer. In November 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) issued a highlight notice encouraging applications for new research into lobular breast cancer, to improve the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients. The NIHR continues to welcome high quality funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including lobular breast cancer.The Breast Screening Risk Adaptive Imaging for Density trial is looking into the use of supplementary imaging techniques for women within the standard breast screening programme who are found to have radiographically dense breast tissue. The different tests include magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. The UK National Screening Committee is in contact with the researchers and is reviewing this evidence as it becomes available. It will make recommendations to ministers in light of this.To raise awareness about early diagnosis of lobular breast cancer, the NHS in England encourages everyone to check their breast regularly for changes or thickened areas of tissue, and to consult their general practitioner straight away if they have any concerns. To increase knowledge of cancer symptoms, including lobular breast cancer, and address barriers to acting on them, the NHS runs Help Us Help You campaigns. These campaigns focus on recognising a range of symptoms, as well as encouraging body awareness, to help people spot symptoms across a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, at an earlier stage.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the level of requirement for improvements in the provision of stroke rehabilitation.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has regular discussions with a range of Cabinet Office colleagues on improvements to National Health Services. There has not been a recent specific meeting on stroke rehabilitation.As set out in the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, we are committed to improving services for patients locally by increasing the provision of services outside of a hospital setting that are delivered closer to home in the community.The National Stroke Service Model provides best practice for stroke care, including post-discharge, which should include comprehensive rehabilitation and personalised care and support.The National Stroke Quality Improvement in Rehabilitation programme is helping to transform community-based care by increasing access to specialist stroke rehabilitation at home.