Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made, if any, in reaching a settlement in cases of individuals who have developed (1) blood clots, and (2) life-changing conditions, such as transverse myelitis, after receiving the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine; and what assessment they have made of the level of payment being awarded under the Vaccine Damage Payment scheme.

Answered by Lord Markham - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government knows there are some extremely rare cases where individuals have sadly experienced harm following vaccination against COVID-19, and recognises how difficult this is for those individuals and their families. It would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases, including where there may be ongoing litigation that may involve the Government.

As part of business-as-usual work, the Government reviews the payment amount of the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), alongside all routine policy on a regular basis. There are no plans at this time to change the level of payment awarded under the VDPS.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to improve the mental health and wellbeing of babies and very young children, especially given the evidence surrounding the cumulative impact of poor mental health outcomes that begin early in life.

Answered by Lord Markham - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

In March 2021, the Government published The best start for life: a vision for the 1,001 critical days, a copy of which is attached. This vision sets out six action areas for improving support for families during the 1,001 critical days to ensure every baby in England is given the best possible start in life, regardless of background.

The Government is investing approximately £300 million to improve support for families through the joint Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Education Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme. The programme is implementing many elements of the Best Start for Life Vision and is delivering a step change in outcomes for babies, children and their parents and carers in 75 local authorities in England, including those with high levels of deprivation. This investment includes £100 million for bespoke perinatal mental health and parent-infant relationship support. Many local authorities without funding have also chosen to implement elements of the vision.

Found: Baroness Hollins’ final report: My heart breaks - solitary confinement in hospital has no therapeutic

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Found: Clause 50 BARONESS HOLLINS 83_ Clause 50, page 115, line 32, at beginning insert “Section 40

Found: Clause 50 BARONESS HOLLINS 83_ Clause 50, page 115, line 32, at beginning insert “Section 40

Found: Clause 50 BARONESS HOLLINS 83_ Clause 50, page 115, line 32, at beginning insert “Section 40

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