Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to consult with (a) patient groups and (b) the public on plans to introduce a call before you walk system into urgent care in all NHS regions by December 2020.

NHS 111 is trialling a new programme to book appointments for patients before they attend urgent and emergency care services. It has received broad support from the royal colleges and patient groups.

The booking system will enable a better flow of patients into emergency departments and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, which is vitally important to vulnerable and immunosuppressed patients, such as those living with cancer.