Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will take steps to ensure that NHS England deal with complaints and other issues raised with them by hon. Members in a speedy and efficient manner.

Complaints to NHS England should be handled in accordance with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's principles of good complaint handling, which include dealing with complaints promptly and avoiding unnecessary delay. NHS England’s complaints guidance states that it aims to respond within 40 working days. If NHS England have not provided a response within six months, it will write to the complainant to explain the reasons for the delay and advise when a response is likely to be received.