Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the report entitled Let’s talk kidneys: Opportunities for early intervention in chronic kidney disease, published by Kidney Care UK on 13 December 2023,, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure patients at risk of chronic kidney disease are screened annually for the disease.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidance, Chronic kidney disease: Assessment and management [NG203], updated in November 2021, sets out the best practice for clinicians in the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The guidance covers monitoring for those patients at risk as well as pharmacological management and referral, where appropriate, and is available at the following link:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng203
In addition to evidence-based guidance to support clinicians in diagnosing problems of the kidney, we are also working to detect people at risk of kidney disease through the NHS Health Check Programme. The programme, which is available for everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 years old who are not already on a chronic disease register, assesses people’s health and risk of developing certain health problems. Using this information, patients are supported in making behavioural changes and accessing treatment which helps to prevent and detect kidney disease earlier.
We are investing in new delivery models for the NHS Health Check, including nearly £17 million for the development and roll-out of an innovative new national and digital NHS Health Check, which will be rolled out this spring, and will give people a choice about where and when to have a check.
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) reviewed CKD and glomerulonephritis in 2011 and concluded that a population-wide screening programme would not be recommended, and has not looked at the evidence for a targeted programme. The UK NSC can be alerted to any new peer-reviewed evidence published which may suggest the case for a new screening programme. Proposals to change or review a topic early can be submitted via the UK NSC’s annual call, which will open in July 2024.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the publication by Kidney Care UK entitled Let’s talk kidneys: opportunities for early intervention in chronic kidney disease, published on 23 December 2023, whether her Department has taken steps to implement annual testing of patients at high risk of kidney disease.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidance, Chronic kidney disease: Assessment and management [NG203], updated in November 2021, sets out the best practice for clinicians in the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The guidance covers monitoring for those patients at risk as well as pharmacological management and referral, where appropriate, and is available at the following link:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng203
In addition to evidence-based guidance to support clinicians in diagnosing problems of the kidney, we are also working to detect people at risk of kidney disease through the NHS Health Check Programme. The programme, which is available for everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 years old who are not already on a chronic disease register, assesses people’s health and risk of developing certain health problems. Using this information, patients are supported in making behavioural changes and accessing treatment which helps to prevent and detect kidney disease earlier.
We are investing in new delivery models for the NHS Health Check, including nearly £17 million for the development and roll-out of an innovative new national and digital NHS Health Check, which will be rolled out this spring, and will give people a choice about where and when to have a check.
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) reviewed CKD and glomerulonephritis in 2011 and concluded that a population-wide screening programme would not be recommended, and has not looked at the evidence for a targeted programme. The UK NSC can be alerted to any new peer-reviewed evidence published which may suggest the case for a new screening programme. Proposals to change or review a topic early can be submitted via the UK NSC’s annual call, which will open in July 2024.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January to Question 10306 on Cervical Cancer: Health Education, if she will make it her policy to provide smear tests for women aged 25 and younger who (a) request one and (b) are experiencing abnormalities.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
Cervical screening is not recommended for women below the age of 25 years old, as cervical cancer is rare in under-25s. Screening at a younger age can lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful investigations and treatments.
Women of any age who are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding between periods or after sex, pain or discomfort during sex, or abnormal vaginal discharge should see their general practitioner. They may be offered a pelvic examination and referral to colposcopy or gynaecology if needed.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of cervical cancer awareness campaigns at reaching people under 25.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Department has not made an assessment, as there are no cervical cancer awareness campaigns run by the National Health Service specifically for people under the age of 25 years old.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress she has made on establishing a Falsified Medicines scheme.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Medicines & Medical Devices Act 2021 included provisions that enable the introduction and use of a falsified medicines system in the United Kingdom. The Department is considering the right approach for the future, and regulations would be needed to set out the detail of any scheme, which would require consultation.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has robust measures in place for the management of falsified medicines detected by the UK supply chain.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help prevent a measles outbreak.
Answered by Maria Caulfield - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
The Department monitors and drives vaccine coverage in the United Kingdom, prepares the National Health Service, and tests the ability to respond to a potential outbreaks. In January 2024, we will be running a national multi-agency exercise to assess the system-wide preparedness to respond to a large measles outbreak at a regional and national level.
National measles guidance has been updated, and a range of resources have been published including posters and training resources, which are all available at the following links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-measles-guidelines
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/measles-information-and-poster-for-health-professionals
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/measles-guidance-data-and-analysis
The Department, NHS England, and wider health system partners are also working to raise awareness of the risks of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and to increase vaccination coverage. This is being done through national and regional exercises, communication campaigns and targeted outreach for underserved communities.
NHS England has agreed with general practices to focus their annual MMR campaign to ensure that consistent efforts are made to contact those eligible who have not taken up a vaccine offer between November 2023 and March 2024. A national call recall for individuals aged six years old up to and including 25 years old who are not up to date with their MMR vaccine is planned for 2024.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the uptake of routine childhood immunisations.
Answered by Maria Caulfield - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
The Department works alongside the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England on a range of initiatives to support increased uptake of the routine childhood programmes, including improved data collection to identify and address underserved populations, communication campaigns aimed at parents and guardians and improving children’s access to vaccination services through diverse delivery methods, making getting vaccinated easier for all.
NHS England has also rolled out additional programmes to improve immunisation coverage for children and catch those up who missed their initial offer, including NHS London’s measles, mumps and rubella campaign and a multi-phase polio campaign. Both campaigns also provide opportunities to catch up children for other important childhood vaccines, too.
It is vitally important that everyone takes up the vaccinations to which they are entitled, for themselves, their families, and wider society. Anyone unsure about their child’s eligibility or vaccination status should contact their general practitioner for advice.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if her Department will ensure that NHS England publishes a public quarterly report on progress on the (a) development and (b) adoption of software products built within NHS England's Federated Data Platform framework.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Federated Data Platform (FDP) is an essential upgrade to NHS data systems, allowing Trusts to deliver improved services to patients, through more effective management of data. A series of pilots have demonstrated the benefits, with better use made of operating theatres, waiting lists shortened, and people discharged quicker from hospital.
The FDP is a Tier A Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) programme and therefore is required to report on a regular basis to the GMPP. The GMPP report is published annually. The NHS England website includes key information on the FDP Programme, including Frequently Asked Questions and case studies on the use of products, which are updated regularly and available at the following link:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/digitaltechnology/digitising-connecting-and-transforming-health-and-care/
The FDP Programme will be publishing key progression data on roll out and benefits on the NHS England website once the platform is live.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to ensure NHS England's Federated Data Platform represents value for money.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Federated Data Platform (FDP) will give Trusts the tools to improve how they manage their data, to deliver better outcomes to patients. The pilot benefits include better use made of operating theatres, shorter waiting lists, and quicker discharges from hospital.
The FDP is a Tier A Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) programme and therefore is required to report on a regular basis to the GMPP. The GMPP report is published annually. The NHS England website includes key information on the FDP Programme, including Frequently Asked Questions and case studies on the use of products, which are updated regularly and available at the following link:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/digitaltechnology/digitising-connecting-and-transforming-health-and-care/
The FDP business case includes an assessment of the investment, the benefits anticipated, and the return of investment anticipated over the lifetime of the programme. Benefits are provided for cash, non-cash, and societal benefits and throughout the approval process are assessed by a number of independent assessors from both NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and other Government departments to ensure that investments provide value. The FDP is a Tier A Government Major Projects Portfolio programme and therefore will be required to report on the return on investment and benefits realised throughout the lifetime of the programme.
Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has a risk register for NHS England's Federated Data Platform.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Federated Data Platform is an important upgrade to NHS data systems, allowing Trusts to improve services for patients, by managing data more effectively. The benefits have been demonstrated in a series of pilots, which have seen Trusts shorten waiting lists, improve theatre utilisation, and arrange discharges more quickly and easily.
NHS England has a risk register as part of their standard programme documentation, including processes for ensuring this is updated on a regular basis and reported through relevant governance structures. The FDP is a Tier A Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) programme and therefore is required to report on a regular basis to the GMPP, including risks. The GMPP report is published annually.