Department of Health and Social Care

The data is not collected in the format requested as NHS Digital’s data does not show neurological conditions recorded as a primary support reason.

No specific assessment has been made. On 31 March 2022, we issued updated guidance on infection prevention and control measures. This includes advice on personal protective equipment, testing and hand hygiene. These measures balance the risk of COVID-19 transmission in care settings, maintain protections for care recipients and aim to avoid restrictions on residents’ movement and activities as far as possible.

In November 2021, the Department launched the IPC Champions Network for Adult Social Care, a forum for infection prevention and control (IPC) experts in the sector to share best practice. Accompanying the launch, the Department created a guide providing examples of IPC measures and best practice in various care settings. On 31 March 2022, we also published updated IPC guidance supported by webinars hosted by the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care.

No formal assessment has yet been made. NHS England and NHS Improvement continue to monitor the monthly diagnosis rate and are analysing trends at regional and sustainability and transformation partnership level to aid targeted efforts to improve dementia diagnosis rates in 2022/23.

We will set out plans for dementia in England later this year. The strategy will focus on the health and care needs of people living with dementia and their carers, including dementia diagnoses.

In December 2021, all School Aged Immunisation Service providers in England were asked to deliver in-school COVID-19 vaccinations to 12 to 15 year olds starting in the 2022 spring term. It was expected most schools would require multiple visits to ensure children who had recently contracted COVID-19 had the opportunity to be vaccinated.

An out-of-school offer is also in place for eligible children and young people. The majority of five to 11 year olds will receive their vaccination at local centres or community pharmacies outside of school hours. These appointments are available through the National Booking System or via 119 and walk-in sites remain open.

NHS England and NHS Improvement expect that all providers commissioned to deliver acute services in England will submit this data.

Most visitors are no longer required to test before entering a care setting. Visitors to hospitals and care homes are asked to take necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, in line with the guidance for the general population.

Visitors who provide personal care to care home residents may be asked to test before entering, up to twice weekly if visiting more than twice, with free lateral flow device tests available. Symptomatic testing continues to be available for those in social care settings.

The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

In 2021/22, the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s Clinical Research Network recruited 73,691 participants across 1,060 cancer studies and established 412 new cancer studies. This compares to 1,191 clinical trials in 2019/20. Data from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry shows variable recovery of commercial clinical research in other nations. As of July 2021, the United Kingdom’s monthly rate of enrolments for commercial studies across all speciality areas had reduced by 41.7% from the 2019 baseline. This compares to a 41.5% reduction in France, 44.3% in Germany and 21.7% in Italy while Spain reported an increase of 6.3%.

NHS England and NHS Improvement’s guidance states that general practitioner practices must provide face to face appointments, alongside remote consultations. Patients’ views should be sought and practices should respect preferences for face to face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary. In March 2022, 62% of appointments were face-to-face, excluding COVID-19 vaccinations. At the end of 2021/22, 66 community diagnostic centres were available to support Primary Care Networks to increase diagnostic capacity and improve the detection of conditions such as heart failure and heart valve disease.

We have no current plans to do so. However, as part of the introduction of a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England, the Department will work with stakeholders to collate data and gather evidence on the incidence of consumers seeking treatment through the National Health Service for complications following private cosmetic procedures.

Patient access to sotrovimab is clinically determined in line with the published clinical access policies. Individuals at highest risk from COVID-19 infection can access this treatment directly from COVID Medicines Delivery Units (CMDUs) or via the RECOVERY trial for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. The latest data shows that 24,798 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have received sotrovimab in England, with the majority of these patients receiving treatment as non-hospitalised patients via a CMDU.

While the information relating to Slough is not held in the format requested, 2,175 patients suitable for treatment have been identified in the Frimley CDMU area, of whom 701 have been triaged for and treated with sotrovimab and 343 have received oral antiviral medication.

The National Health Service Electronic Staff Record does not identify renal counsellors as a staff group. Local NHS organisations will record the number of staff specifically identified as renal counsellors, although definitions of roles and responsibilities may differ between locations.

Following a public consultation, the legislation to revoke vaccination requirements for all sectors came into force on 15 March 2022.

The UK Health Security Agency has yet to complete testing on Evusheld’s efficacy against the Omicron variant. The timing of these results is dependent on the testing assays being completed successfully, which will inform any decisions on potential deployment.

The UK Health Security Agency has yet to complete testing on Evusheld’s efficacy against the Omicron variant. The timing of these results is dependent on the testing assays being completed successfully, which will inform any decisions on potential deployment.

Since 28 April 2022, the NHS COVID Pass travel letter has been available for five to 11 year olds who have received a full primary course of vaccination. A parent or guardian can request the letter via NHS.UK or 119. We are currently reviewing the provision of evidence of prior infection or recovery and a digital option.

The information is not held in the format requested.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) commits to publishing draft recommendations on new medicines approximately at the time of licensing, with final guidance within three months of licensing wherever possible. In 2021/22, guidance was issued within three months of a licence for 100% of new medicines where NICE proceeded to appraisal and 98 technology appraisals were published, meeting the target in its business plan.

The Department holds regular accountability meetings with NICE to discuss a range of issues, including the delivery of its commitments. NICE is prioritising the flexibility and capacity of its technology appraisal programme through a more proportionate approach to assessments. From April 2023, NICE aims to expand its capacity for technology appraisals by 20% to respond to the increasing numbers of topics referred for appraisal.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) commits to publishing draft recommendations on new medicines approximately at the time of licensing, with final guidance within three months of licensing wherever possible. In 2021/22, guidance was issued within three months of a licence for 100% of new medicines where NICE proceeded to appraisal and 98 technology appraisals were published, meeting the target in its business plan.

The Department holds regular accountability meetings with NICE to discuss a range of issues, including the delivery of its commitments. NICE is prioritising the flexibility and capacity of its technology appraisal programme through a more proportionate approach to assessments. From April 2023, NICE aims to expand its capacity for technology appraisals by 20% to respond to the increasing numbers of topics referred for appraisal.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) commits to publishing draft recommendations on new medicines approximately at the time of licensing, with final guidance within three months of licensing wherever possible. In 2021/22, guidance was issued within three months of a licence for 100% of new medicines where NICE proceeded to appraisal and 98 technology appraisals were published, meeting the target in its business plan.

The Department holds regular accountability meetings with NICE to discuss a range of issues, including the delivery of its commitments. NICE is prioritising the flexibility and capacity of its technology appraisal programme through a more proportionate approach to assessments. From April 2023, NICE aims to expand its capacity for technology appraisals by 20% to respond to the increasing numbers of topics referred for appraisal.

The Department’s online only impact assessment included a cost analysis and calculations on the implementation of the Coronavirus Test Device Approvals process. It is intended that this regulation should be cost neutral for taxpayers and as such, the Government recovers the costs from applicants, while ensuring fees are as low as possible. However, through engagement in a public consultation and with industry, we recognised concerns on ensuring smaller businesses can access the market. Therefore a discounted rate of 55% is offered, in line with taxation benefits for research and development spending offered to small to medium-sized enterprises. We have committed to review the policy at the end of 2022.

Current delays in the Coronavirus Test Device Approval (CTDA) process have been due to further information being sought from applicants during the validation process. However, to ensure applications meet the required standards, expert support has been provided by officials, with 60% of approvals being processed in the last three months.

The number of scientific advisors has also been increased to meet demand. Online guidance for applicants has also been updated to provide greater clarity for acceptance criteria for the range of viral loads within positive samples. Officials continue to work with applicants to provide support during the process and minimise any potential delays.

We have no current plans to do so. Approximately 89% of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge and there are arrangements in place to help those with the greatest need. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension. Those with cystic fibrosis or another long-term condition may meet the eligibility criteria for prescription charge exemptions and be in receipt of free prescriptions.

No specific assessment has been made. The gastroenterology chapter of the Royal College of General Practitioners’ curriculum for general practitioners (GPs) in training addresses the treatment of coeliac disease. Additionally, the Royal College has made online resources are available on the topic and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidelines are tested in the Applied Knowledge Test assessment for GP training. Health Education England’s training programmes offer educational sessions on the Royal College’s curriculum for common gastroenterological conditions, which include coeliac disease assessment, investigation and management.

Individual National Health Service trusts are responsible for investing in post-registration training, ensuring that staff are trained and competent to carry out their role and are adequately supported throughout their training. All training undertaken by post-registration qualified staff should be in line with national and local guidelines covering the training being undertaken.

The information requested on trusts undertaking exit interviews is not held centrally. While exit interviews are recommended in the National Health Service learning handbook, it may not be appropriate for all staff, such as in cases of redundancy or dismissal. An updated, online, self-exit questionnaire was launched in October 2021, which includes staff survey questions and allows staff to explain their reasons for leaving. This is currently being promoted to all NHS trusts and is in use in approximately 83 organisations.

Reasons for leaving are noted in the Electronic Staff Record. Where detailed information for leaving was available, in 2021 the most frequent reasons were retirement; end of fixed term contract; work/life balance; relocation; and pay or reward.

The information requested on trusts undertaking exit interviews is not held centrally. While exit interviews are recommended in the National Health Service learning handbook, it may not be appropriate for all staff, such as in cases of redundancy or dismissal. An updated, online, self-exit questionnaire was launched in October 2021, which includes staff survey questions and allows staff to explain their reasons for leaving. This is currently being promoted to all NHS trusts and is in use in approximately 83 organisations.

Reasons for leaving are noted in the Electronic Staff Record. Where detailed information for leaving was available, in 2021 the most frequent reasons were retirement; end of fixed term contract; work/life balance; relocation; and pay or reward.

The information requested on trusts undertaking exit interviews is not held centrally. While exit interviews are recommended in the National Health Service learning handbook, it may not be appropriate for all staff, such as in cases of redundancy or dismissal. An updated, online, self-exit questionnaire was launched in October 2021, which includes staff survey questions and allows staff to explain their reasons for leaving. This is currently being promoted to all NHS trusts and is in use in approximately 83 organisations.

Reasons for leaving are noted in the Electronic Staff Record. Where detailed information for leaving was available, in 2021 the most frequent reasons were retirement; end of fixed term contract; work/life balance; relocation; and pay or reward.

The information requested on trusts undertaking exit interviews is not held centrally. While exit interviews are recommended in the National Health Service learning handbook, it may not be appropriate for all staff, such as in cases of redundancy or dismissal. An updated, online, self-exit questionnaire was launched in October 2021, which includes staff survey questions and allows staff to explain their reasons for leaving. This is currently being promoted to all NHS trusts and is in use in approximately 83 organisations.

Reasons for leaving are noted in the Electronic Staff Record. Where detailed information for leaving was available, in 2021 the most frequent reasons were retirement; end of fixed term contract; work/life balance; relocation; and pay or reward.

We replied to the hon. Member on 16 May 2022.

The Department funds mental health research in the United Kingdom through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).  In 2020/21, the NIHR spent £109.5 million on mental health research. We are also funding the Mental Health Research Initiative to expand current activity and build the capacity and capability of mental health research in regions which are currently underrepresented. While it is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions, the NIHR’s funding is available through open competition and we encourage researchers to submit applications in this area.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guideline on the diagnosis and management of menopause published in 2015 recommended that testosterone supplementation should be considered for menopausal women with low sexual desire if hormone replacement therapy alone is not effective. Healthcare professionals should take NICE’s guidelines fully into account in the care and treatment of individual patients. NICE is currently updating its guideline on menopause in light of new evidence and recently consulted on the draft scope of the revised guideline.

The prescription of any medicine is a clinical decision. The Government has enabled the prescription of cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) where it is clinically appropriate.

The licensed cannabis-based medicine Epidyolex is routinely prescribed for two forms of epilepsy. However, clinical guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence demonstrate a clear need for further evidence to support routine prescribing and funding decisions for unlicensed CBPMs. We continue to encourage manufacturers of these products to conduct research and we are working with regulatory, research and National Health Service partners to establish clinical trials to enable evidence based prescribing decisions.

The NHS Long Term Plan committed to improve cancer services to increase the proportion of cancers diagnosed at Stage 1 and 2 to 75% by 2028. This aims to ensure that an additional 55,000 people each year will survive cancer for at least five years after their diagnosis. We are currently analysing the responses submitted through the call for evidence to develop the 10 Year Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The Plan will provide further detail on how we will improve cancer services.

The Department invests in health research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). In 2020/21, the NIHR’s expenditure on cancer research was £73.5 million. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including treatments for cancer, and encourages researchers to submit high-quality research proposals in this area.

No specific assessment has been made. The introduction of the hormone replacement therapy prescription prepayment certificate requires significant technical changes to existing systems and processes. We are working with the NHS Business Services Authority to implement the certificate as soon as possible.

We are currently negotiating proposed changes to the National Health Service contract for dentistry services with the British Dental Association. We will set out a timetable for implementation timetable when these negotiations have concluded.

The National Health Service Electronic Staff Record (ESR) collects information through a ‘reason for leaving’ data field linked to staff recorded as leaving active service.

No formal assessment has been made. However, the ‘Delivery plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlog of elective care’ published in February 2022 acknowledges the impact of long waiting times for treatment on patients and their carers, National Health Service staff and on health inequalities. The plan aims to minimise the impact of the backlog and to ensure the inclusive recovery of elective services.

There is no current date when we expect Novavax to be available for people in the United Kingdom. We will continue to be guided by the advice of the independent Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on which vaccines should be deployed in the UK’s vaccination programmes. The JCVI has discussed the potential use of Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid) in the national vaccination programme. Its considerations will be published in due course and kept under review.

There is no current date when we expect Novavax to be available for people in the United Kingdom. We will continue to be guided by the advice of the independent Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on which vaccines should be deployed in the UK’s vaccination programmes. The JCVI has discussed the potential use of Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid) in the national vaccination programme. Its considerations will be published in due course and kept under review.

The Adult Weight Management Services Grant distributed for use in 2021/22 was in addition to local authorities’ existing expenditure on adult tier 2 behavioural weight management services from the Public Health Grant. This funding must be used to commission new or expand existing services and was not intended to replace other funding. In 2022/23, the total Public Health Grant to local authorities is £3.417 billion. Decisions on how the Public Health Grant is spent are made by individual local authorities.

The Department commissions research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR is not currently supporting any specific research on the combined effects of risperidone and COVID-19 vaccines. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including effects of COVID-19 vaccination.

We have published guidance on infection prevention and control in adult social care settings which encourages visitors to take necessary precautions. This includes wearing face masks and staying away from the care home if they are symptomatic or test positive for COVID-19. Visitors providing personal care are advised to test themselves up to twice weekly before entering the care home, with free asymptomatic testing available.