Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the General Medical Council about reforming regulatory procedures for doctors using powers under section 60 of the Health Act 1999.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Officials from the Department are working closely with the General Medical Council to develop the necessary legislation to modernise the legislative framework for doctors, as part of our professional regulation reform programme.

We anticipate being in a position to consult on this legislation, which will be made using the affirmative procedure under powers granted in Section 60 of the Health Act 1999, in late 2025.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Civil Procedure Rule Committee regarding the implementation of fixed recoverable costs for clinical negligence claims valued up to £25,000.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Currently, the Government is considering the way forward on a wide range of matters relating to clinical negligence reform, and we will announce our position in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to reforming the loss of future earnings element of clinical negligence compensation for cases arising from obstetrics.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise that clinical negligence is an important issue, and ministers will examine the drivers of costs, how to manage spending on clinical negligence, and the potential merits of reform options.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure long-term funding for programmes to support NHS staff with their (1) mental and (2) physical health.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

It is important that all National Health Service staff are able to work in a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises their health and wellbeing.

Employers across the NHS have their own arrangements in place for supporting their staff, including occupational health provision, employee support programmes, and health and wellbeing guardians, who scrutinise and co-ordinate local support.

At a national level, NHS England commissions the NHS Practitioner Health programme, which provides specialist support, and which is reviewing the wider provision of support for staff mental and physical health and wellbeing.

To support staff with their physical health, the Government and Nuffield Health announced, in March 2025, access for 4,000 NHS staff to Nuffield Health’s Joint Pain Programme, to support those staff who are either off work due to chronic joint pain or struggling with pain whilst at work.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to minimise the risk of burnout among healthcare staff.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The health and wellbeing of National Health Service staff is a top priority. Employers across the NHS have their own arrangements in place for supporting their staff, including occupational health provision, employee support programmes, and health and wellbeing guardian roles.

At a national level, NHS England has made additional support available. This includes a focus on healthy environments, tools, and resources to support line managers, and emotional and psychological health and wellbeing support. They have also set out a roadmap for the NHS and partner organisations to work together to develop and invest in occupational health and wellbeing services for NHS staff over the next five years.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with NHS officials in England about improving (1) the catering; and (2) the rest facilities for NHS staff in hospital settings.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Through the Report of the Independent Review of NHS Hospital Food, officials have had, and continue to have, discussions in relation to improving catering and rest facilities for National Health Service staff in NHS hospital settings.

The NHS Food and Drink Standards contain detailed information for catering managers about sourcing and serving high quality, nutritious food to patients and staff. This includes a checklist for catering managers and chief executives to consider as part of their trust’s Food and Drink Strategy.

Good physical working environments are also important for staff wellbeing and retention. Staff need to be given the time and space to rest and recover from their work, particularly when working on-call or overnight. The NHS Health and Wellbeing Framework highlights the importance of getting the basics right, such as providing access to good quality rest areas, food, and drink options.