Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the elective recovery taskforce's implementation plan, what steps her Department is taking to ensure equity in access for people who are unable to use (a) NHS Digital, (b) MyPlanned and (c) other online platforms relevant to healthcare.

In September 2023, NHS England published a framework for action on digital inclusion to help the system design and implement inclusive digital approaches and technologies, including actions to build digital skills and capability among patients and National Health Service staff. This covers all NHS digital platforms, including My Planned Care. Patients unable to use digital channels will continue to be able to access services via telephone and through face-to-face services. The elective recovery taskforce implementation plan will also ensure patients have the right to receive care at a provider of their choice.