Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to ensure that databases and IT systems for health screenings are fit for service.

The Government has already committed an initial £1.8 million to identify and design an immediate replacement for the National Breast Screening System and work is underway to scope out the most appropriate alternative.

The Government will also invest £487 million in healthcare technology as part of the National Health Service Long Term Plan to improve patient care and reduce workload on staff.

In addition, Professor Sir Mike Richards is leading a major review of national cancer screening programmes as part of the NHS Long Term Plan’s renewed drive to improve care and save lives. The review will look at how latest innovations can be utilised, including the potential use of artificial intelligence, the introduction of new screening technologies and updated IT, integrating research and encouraging more eligible people to be screened. Professor Richards’ review is due to report in summer 2019.