Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of how rapidly routine cancer screening and care in the Vale of York CCG area can return to normal timetables now the Nightingale Hospital Harrogate is being used as a testing centre.

The Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group is working with its health partners to ensure cancer screening in the area can return to full capacity. General practitioner (GP) and hospital services have adapted to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but are now starting to re-introduce screening safely and in line with national guidance.

Throughout the pandemic response, cancer specialist teams at York and Scarborough hospitals have worked to ensure urgent cases continue to be seen promptly, and patients continue to be encouraged to contact their GP via phone or online consultation if they have any concerns.