Asked by: Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrat - Harrogate and Knaresborough)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what consideration his Department has given to the integration of recommendations from the Getting It Right First Time programme for gastroenterology into the national quality strategy.
Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
We recognise the value of clinically‑led improvement programmes such as Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) in identifying and addressing unwarranted variation in care, including in gastroenterology. Rather than being incorporated into the National Quality Strategy, which will set out overarching principles and priorities for improving quality, GIRFT recommendations are developed through detailed clinical engagement, analysis of national data, and close working with professional bodies, providers, and systems. Specialty‑specific recommendations from programmes such as GIRFT are used to inform delivery at national, regional, and local levels, rather than being incorporated as prescriptive elements of the strategy itself.
Asked by: Yasmin Qureshi (Labour - Bolton South and Walkden)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to Recommendation 9 (d) of the Infected Blood Inquiry report, what progress his Department has made on establishing functioning multi-disciplinary networks.
Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
It is crucial we protect the safety of haemophilia care, and the Government is committed to implementing recommendation 9 of the 2024 Infected Blood Inquiry report.
The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases, such as haemophilia. The UK Rare Diseases Framework sets out four priorities collaboratively developed with the rare disease community: these include getting a final diagnosis faster; increasing awareness of rare diseases among healthcare professionals; better coordination of care; and improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. We published the fifth annual England action plan in February 2026, where we report on the steps we have taken to advance these priorities.
Regarding 9d, the Clinical Community and the NHS England Clinical Reference Group for Blood Disorders support the need to develop and strengthen multi-disciplinary networks. NHS England has drafted a proposed National Clinical Network Specification specifically for these networks, which is dependent on additional funding and would embed key new requirements for providers to participate in a networked model of care.
For 9f, NHS England currently provides ‘central’ funding of approximately 40% of the total annual cost for running the National Haemophilia Database. A task and finish group relating to the database has been established, reporting into the overarching recommendation 9 expert group.
As of February 2026, stakeholders involved in the recommendation 9f working group are in agreement that the registry has been and remains immensely valuable in supporting the provision of clinical care. NHS England continues to work with the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centres Doctors' Organisation to understand the requirement for increased funding.
Further progress on implementing recommendation 9 is subject to additional funding, and this has not yet been identified. NHS England and the Department will continue to work together to provide progress updates on the Government Reporting Integration Platform.
Asked by: Yasmin Qureshi (Labour - Bolton South and Walkden)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to Recommendation 9(f) of the Infected Blood Inquiry report, what consideration has been given to providing additional funding for the national haemophilia database.
Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
It is crucial we protect the safety of haemophilia care, and the Government is committed to implementing recommendation 9 of the 2024 Infected Blood Inquiry report.
The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases, such as haemophilia. The UK Rare Diseases Framework sets out four priorities collaboratively developed with the rare disease community: these include getting a final diagnosis faster; increasing awareness of rare diseases among healthcare professionals; better coordination of care; and improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. We published the fifth annual England action plan in February 2026, where we report on the steps we have taken to advance these priorities.
Regarding 9d, the Clinical Community and the NHS England Clinical Reference Group for Blood Disorders support the need to develop and strengthen multi-disciplinary networks. NHS England has drafted a proposed National Clinical Network Specification specifically for these networks, which is dependent on additional funding and would embed key new requirements for providers to participate in a networked model of care.
For 9f, NHS England currently provides ‘central’ funding of approximately 40% of the total annual cost for running the National Haemophilia Database. A task and finish group relating to the database has been established, reporting into the overarching recommendation 9 expert group.
As of February 2026, stakeholders involved in the recommendation 9f working group are in agreement that the registry has been and remains immensely valuable in supporting the provision of clinical care. NHS England continues to work with the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centres Doctors' Organisation to understand the requirement for increased funding.
Further progress on implementing recommendation 9 is subject to additional funding, and this has not yet been identified. NHS England and the Department will continue to work together to provide progress updates on the Government Reporting Integration Platform.
Asked by: Yasmin Qureshi (Labour - Bolton South and Walkden)
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 (a) increase funding and (b) tackle inequities between haemophilia centres.
Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
It is crucial we protect the safety of haemophilia care, and the Government is committed to implementing recommendation 9 of the 2024 Infected Blood Inquiry report.
The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases, such as haemophilia. The UK Rare Diseases Framework sets out four priorities collaboratively developed with the rare disease community: these include getting a final diagnosis faster; increasing awareness of rare diseases among healthcare professionals; better coordination of care; and improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. We published the fifth annual England action plan in February 2026, where we report on the steps we have taken to advance these priorities.
Regarding 9d, the Clinical Community and the NHS England Clinical Reference Group for Blood Disorders support the need to develop and strengthen multi-disciplinary networks. NHS England has drafted a proposed National Clinical Network Specification specifically for these networks, which is dependent on additional funding and would embed key new requirements for providers to participate in a networked model of care.
For 9f, NHS England currently provides ‘central’ funding of approximately 40% of the total annual cost for running the National Haemophilia Database. A task and finish group relating to the database has been established, reporting into the overarching recommendation 9 expert group.
As of February 2026, stakeholders involved in the recommendation 9f working group are in agreement that the registry has been and remains immensely valuable in supporting the provision of clinical care. NHS England continues to work with the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centres Doctors' Organisation to understand the requirement for increased funding.
Further progress on implementing recommendation 9 is subject to additional funding, and this has not yet been identified. NHS England and the Department will continue to work together to provide progress updates on the Government Reporting Integration Platform.
Asked by: Lord Goodman of Wycombe (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to Protecting What Matters (CP 1540), published on 9 March, which representatives of the community and voluntary sector they plan to consult to help deliver a community-led approach to integration.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Insufficient focus on our shared responsibility to support integration has, in some parts of the country, led to the creation of social silos with people living largely separate, parallel lives from mainstream UK customs and culture.
A new approach to integration will consider both the broader immigration system and what level of immigration is tenable in maintaining a cohesive society and meeting the needs of existing communities. That is why this government has committed to developing a cross-government integration strategy to help existing and new migrants effectively integrate into their communities, find sustainable work, and make a positive contribution to their area.
This will be underpinned by strong collaboration with local government and the voluntary and community sector to deliver a community-led approach to integration. We will provide more details on engagement and timelines in due course.
Asked by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the integration of (a) shared maintenance hubs, (b) fleet management, and (c) scheduling for (i) health and (ii) education services.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government has recently announced its commitments to the rollout of new Neighbourhood Health Centres, with further information available at the following link:
Through this programme, there will likely be opportunities under the NHS Act 2006 for NHS England to work with local authorities to deliver joint developments alongside One Public Estate. Schemes will likely include the refurbishment and redevelopment of existing public assets, and such projects may provide a particular focus in areas of deprivation, where the National Health Service can act as an anchor tenant.
Furthermore, we are currently finalising the Department’s approach to its Public and Private Finance Partnership model for neighbourhood health centres, which could also act as a catalyst for projects and joint working across public bodies.
Asked by: Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to the Cabinet Office press release, Conclusion of His Majesty The King’s free Portrait Scheme, published on 28 November 2024, and the Social Cohesion Action Plan, published on 9 March, whether they plan to open a second round of the scheme to promote integration by ensuring all public buildings have a portrait of the Sovereign.
Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
His Majesty The King’s free Portrait Scheme was a voluntary programme offering a free, framed portrait of The King to any eligible public institution that requested one. The scheme ran from November 2023 to August 2024.
There are no plans to reopen the scheme. For those wishing to purchase a portrait of His Majesty The King, it is now available from Royal Images.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham and Chislehurst)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress is being made in replacing plasma-derived products with recombinant coagulation factor products, where clinically appropriate, in accordance with Recommendation 9 of the Infected Blood Inquiry Report.
Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
It is crucial we protect the safety of haemophilia care, and the Government is committed to implementing recommendation 9 of the 2024 Infected Blood Inquiry report.
The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases, such as haemophilia. The UK Rare Diseases Framework sets out four priorities collaboratively developed with the rare disease community: these include getting a final diagnosis faster; increasing awareness of rare diseases among healthcare professionals; better coordination of care; and improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. We published the fifth annual England action plan in February 2026, where we report on the steps we have taken to advance these priorities.
In relation to recommendation 9, a to c, of the Infected Blood Inquiry, peer review of United Kingdom comprehensive care centres has been an essential part of haemophilia services for many years. The triennial audit was replaced in 2019 with a more formal peer review process on a five-year cycle.
The final peer review report is expected to be published imminently and once published, it will be shared with the NHS England Specialised Commissioning Quality Oversight Group for consideration and action. This will be supported by a letter to integrated care boards and trust boards, emphasising the valuable role of peer review and asking for confirmation of their commitment to review and implement the peer review findings.
The Haemophilia Service Specification has been updated by the Blood Disorders Clinical Reference Group and is making its way through final approvals, having undergone public consultation. The new specification includes a contractual requirement for providers to participate in and act upon peer review findings.
Regarding 9d, the Clinical Community and the NHS England Clinical Reference Group for Blood Disorders supports the need to develop and strengthen multi-disciplinary networks. NHS England has drafted a proposed National Clinical Network Specification specifically for these networks, which is dependent on additional funding, and which would embed key new requirements for providers to participate in a networked model of care.
In response to 9e, all diseases or conditions where a non-plasma treatment exists to replace a plasma/blood-derived treatment are now addressed by commissioning policies or funding agreements. There are some specific regimens which are subject to ongoing clinical policy development but in each case there are alternative regimens or treatment approaches which negate the use of plasma-derived medicines.
Of particular interest to the clinical and patient community is the development of a clinical commissioning policy for recombinant Von Willebrand factor, which is currently licensed for prophylaxis in adults, as regular treatment for those with the severest bleeding, but which is not currently commissioned for this indication. Funding will be required to implement this clinical policy for all ages, and this has not yet been identified.
Finally, for 9f, NHS England currently provides ‘central’ funding of approximately 40% of the total annual cost for running the National Haemophilia Database. A task and finish group relating to the database has been established, reporting into the overarching recommendation 9 expert group.
As of February 2026, stakeholders involved in the recommendation 9f working group are in agreement that the registry has been and remains immensely valuable in supporting the provision of clinical care. NHS England continues to work with the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centres Doctors' Organisation to understand the requirement for increased funding.
Further progress on implementing recommendation 9 is subject to additional funding, and this has not yet been identified. NHS England and the Department will continue to work together to provide progress updates on the Government Reporting Integration Platform.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham and Chislehurst)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what consideration he has given to supporting the National Haemophilia Database through additional central funding.
Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
It is crucial we protect the safety of haemophilia care, and the Government is committed to implementing recommendation 9 of the 2024 Infected Blood Inquiry report.
The Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases, such as haemophilia. The UK Rare Diseases Framework sets out four priorities collaboratively developed with the rare disease community: these include getting a final diagnosis faster; increasing awareness of rare diseases among healthcare professionals; better coordination of care; and improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. We published the fifth annual England action plan in February 2026, where we report on the steps we have taken to advance these priorities.
In relation to recommendation 9, a to c, of the Infected Blood Inquiry, peer review of United Kingdom comprehensive care centres has been an essential part of haemophilia services for many years. The triennial audit was replaced in 2019 with a more formal peer review process on a five-year cycle.
The final peer review report is expected to be published imminently and once published, it will be shared with the NHS England Specialised Commissioning Quality Oversight Group for consideration and action. This will be supported by a letter to integrated care boards and trust boards, emphasising the valuable role of peer review and asking for confirmation of their commitment to review and implement the peer review findings.
The Haemophilia Service Specification has been updated by the Blood Disorders Clinical Reference Group and is making its way through final approvals, having undergone public consultation. The new specification includes a contractual requirement for providers to participate in and act upon peer review findings.
Regarding 9d, the Clinical Community and the NHS England Clinical Reference Group for Blood Disorders supports the need to develop and strengthen multi-disciplinary networks. NHS England has drafted a proposed National Clinical Network Specification specifically for these networks, which is dependent on additional funding, and which would embed key new requirements for providers to participate in a networked model of care.
In response to 9e, all diseases or conditions where a non-plasma treatment exists to replace a plasma/blood-derived treatment are now addressed by commissioning policies or funding agreements. There are some specific regimens which are subject to ongoing clinical policy development but in each case there are alternative regimens or treatment approaches which negate the use of plasma-derived medicines.
Of particular interest to the clinical and patient community is the development of a clinical commissioning policy for recombinant Von Willebrand factor, which is currently licensed for prophylaxis in adults, as regular treatment for those with the severest bleeding, but which is not currently commissioned for this indication. Funding will be required to implement this clinical policy for all ages, and this has not yet been identified.
Finally, for 9f, NHS England currently provides ‘central’ funding of approximately 40% of the total annual cost for running the National Haemophilia Database. A task and finish group relating to the database has been established, reporting into the overarching recommendation 9 expert group.
As of February 2026, stakeholders involved in the recommendation 9f working group are in agreement that the registry has been and remains immensely valuable in supporting the provision of clinical care. NHS England continues to work with the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centres Doctors' Organisation to understand the requirement for increased funding.
Further progress on implementing recommendation 9 is subject to additional funding, and this has not yet been identified. NHS England and the Department will continue to work together to provide progress updates on the Government Reporting Integration Platform.
Asked by: Samantha Niblett (Labour - South Derbyshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to (a) address threshold‑based exclusion in adult eating disorder services,(b) reduce funding disparities between child and adult eating disorder services, and (c) strengthen safeguarding procedures for adults who are declined treatment despite clinically significant medical risk.
Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that have enduring physical and psychological impacts. This is compounded by known difficulties accessing timely, consistent, and appropriate care across the system. The Government has set out its long-term approach to mental health reform as part of the 10-Year Health Plan for the National Health Service. This plan is built around three key shifts, from hospital to community, from sickness to prevention, and from analogue to digital, all of which are essential to improving care for those with eating disorders.
In January, NHS England published long-awaited updated commissioning guidance for children and young people’s eating disorder services. The guidance takes a whole-pathway approach, prioritising community-based care, earlier identification and intervention, and better integration with schools, colleges, and primary care.
Specialised adult eating disorder inpatient services are not commissioned based on fixed thresholds. Admission decisions are made by multidisciplinary clinical teams following a comprehensive assessment of clinical risk, including physical health, psychiatric presentation, rate of deterioration, and wider social factors. Body mass index may inform clinical assessment but is not used in isolation to determine access to inpatient care.
Integrated care boards (ICBs) commission services across the full pathway, including both adult and children and young people’s provision. This enables resources to be allocated at a system level based on population need, with specialised inpatient services forming part of a broader continuum of care.
Where individuals are not admitted to specialised inpatient services, responsibility for ongoing care and risk management remains with local clinical teams under ICB commissioning arrangements. Safeguarding is managed through established NHS and statutory multi-agency frameworks, ensuring that individuals at risk continue to receive appropriate oversight and support.
Specialised inpatient services operate as part of an integrated system, with NHS Led Provider Collaboratives supporting coordinated care and clinically led decision-making based on individual need.