Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking in response to the imminent industrial action by NHS workers; and what estimate they have made of the impact this will have on the current elective (1) medicine, and (2) surgery, waiting lists in England.

The Department is working with NHS England on the operational planning and assurance in the event of any industrial action and with NHS Employers on national discussions with trade unions and to support employers locally. Employers and trade unions will discuss local derogations to identify which services are exempt from strike action in order to protect patient safety.