Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to Exercise Cygnus that took place in 2016, what the findings of that exercise were in relation to care homes; and whether any recommendations for that sector were (a) identified and (b) implemented as a result of that exercise.

The lessons identified as a result of Exercise Cygnus continue to be considered by the Government and a range of stakeholders, including expert advisory groups and local emergency planners.

Taking the recommendations from Exercise Cygnus, the Department commissioned further work on pandemic influenza preparedness from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. This was completed in the spring of 2018 and included advice and guidance on planning for a pandemic, which was circulated to Directors of Adult Social Services.