Written questions by Lowe.

How much has been spent on (a) translation and (b) interpretation by (i) all NHS Trusts, (ii) James Paget University Hospitals Trust and (iii) the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in each of the last five years.

It is important for translation services to be provided so that all patients can access safe healthcare. The Department does not hold this information for all provider trusts; rather it is held by the relevant integrated care boards.The following table shows how much has been spent on translation and interpretation services by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT):Financial yearNSFT total2020/21£126,0002021/22£211,0002022/23£266,0002023/24£321,000 The following table shows how much has been spent on translation and interpretation services by James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (JPUH):Financial yearJPUH total2019/20£68,0952020/21£37,3522021/22£46,6802022/23£71,5012023/24£85,671 Notes:The figures provided above are for both translation and interpretation, as they are coded the same on their financial systems.NSFT is unable to provide figures for 2019/2020 due to a change in their financial system meaning they cannot access the records.

How much has been spent on (a) translation and (b) interpretation in the NHS in each of the last five years.

The Department does not hold this information. This information will be held by integrated care boards.

How many applications were made to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme in each of the last three years; and how many and what proportion of those applications were unsuccessful.

Between January to December 2021, a total of 686 applications were made to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme. Between January and December 2022, 2,828 applications were made to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, and between January and December 2023, 5,611 applications were made.From January to December 2021, 574 applications, or 84%, made to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme were unsuccessful. From January to December 2022, 2,587 applications, or 91%, were unsuccessful, and from January to December 2023, 4,361 applications, or 78%, were unsuccessful. For the purpose of this reply, unsuccessful applications refer to applications which have been rejected following a completed medical assessment, and applications deemed invalid to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.

What measures he plans to take to help improve access to NHS dentistry in Great Yarmouth constituency.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments, and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term and increase access to NHS dental care, we will reform the dental contract, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care dentistry to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to the integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. ICBs are responsible for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local populations and to determine the priorities for investment. For the Great Yarmouth constituency, this is the NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB.

What data his Department holds on (a) the number of equality, diversity and inclusion champions and (b) the salary bands of those staff in each NHS trust.

The Department does not hold this information centrally. The National Health Service is one of the most diverse organisations in this country and we hugely value the contribution that all staff make to delivering care and supporting patients. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and compassionate culture across the NHS and support the equality, diversity, and inclusion commitments that are in place.It is the responsibility of NHS organisations to determine the number of equality, diversity, and inclusion roles based on need.

What costs from the treatment of chargeable overseas visitors (a) are outstanding and (b) have been written off.

The Department publishes data on the income identified from chargeable overseas visitors in England as part of its annual report and accounts. The cash payments received, and amounts written off in-year by the National Health Service from chargeable overseas visitors, are also published annually in the consolidated NHS provider accounts.The following table shows the aggregate income identified, cash payments received, and amounts written off in-year by the NHS in England, from overseas visitors, over the last three years: 2020/212021/222022/23Aggregate income identified£61,000,000£67,000,000£100,000,000 Cash payments received in-year£21,000,000£25,000,000£32,000,000 Amounts written off in-year£46,000,000£36,000,000£37,000,000 Source: DHSC Annual Report and Accounts and Consolidated NHS provider accounts.NHS charges can be recovered up to six years from the date of invoice, and therefore the amount recovered in a year does not necessarily mean it was identified that financial year.

Whether a decision has taken on the rebuild of the James Paget Hospital; and if he will meet the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth to discuss the rebuild.

We are reviewing the New Hospital Programme (NHP) to put it on a sustainable footing, including a realistic timetable for delivery and clarity on the funding required.As set out in the Terms of Reference for the review, along with the six other hospitals that were constructed primarily using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), the new hospital scheme for James Paget Hospital is out of scope of the review into the NHP. The Terms of Reference are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-hospital-programme-review-terms-of-reference/new-hospital-programme-review-terms-of-referenceWork on this scheme will continue at pace due to the critical need to replace James Paget Hospital to protect patient and staff safety.We will engage with those hon. Members with RAAC hospital schemes in due course.