Dear Constituent,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the proposed changes to the International Health Regulations.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the regulation of vaping and e-cigarettes. 

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about Group B Streptococcus (GBS). 

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about workforce planning and the Health and Care Bill.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about water fluoridation.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the NHS preparations for winter.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about support for people with motor neurone disease (MND).

Please allow me to assure you that research, ensuring early diagnosis, and providing support are the Government’s key priorities for helping those living with MND/

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about cancer treatment during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about COVID-status certification and vaccine passports.

I am very wary of vaccine passports. The only places where it might be appropriate are perhaps for outside visitors going to care homes.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about multiple sclerosis.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about offering COVID-19 vaccination to 12- to 15-year-olds. 

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about baby loss and parental bereavement. 

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the provision of mental health services for children and young people.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for writing to me about the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about private sector involvement in the NHS, such as Centene.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about NHS pay.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about vaccines for the family members of those with blood cancer.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about PPE for NHS staff.

I would like to reassure you that continuing to ensure our frontline staff are properly protected is of paramount importance to me, and to my colleagues on all sides of Parliament.  

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the inclusion of adults with Down's Syndrome on the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable list.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about dementia and coronavirus.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about Carer’s Allowance. I and my colleagues in Government recognise and appreciate the vital role played by unpaid carers now more than ever, and I understand that this is an extremely important issue for many carers.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about hygiene in supermarkets. 

I understand your concern that supermarkets should be maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness. It is important that customers who are unable to shop online, feel safe to shop in supermarkets.

I believe we must all receive dignified care in old age. With an ageing population, this is one of the biggest challenges our country faces. I support the Government’s commitment to making sure that the most vulnerable in society gain the support they need.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about arthritis. I know this can be a very painful and debilitating condition. I recognise that living with a long-term condition, such as arthritis, has a significant impact upon a person’s wellbeing.

Diabetes is a leading cause of premature mortality. With over 22,000 additional deaths each year, it doubles an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease and costs over £10 billion every year to manage.

I am extremely encouraged by the news that, as part of the five-year funding offer that will see the annual NHS budget grow by over £33.9 billion, mental health services will receive budget growth of £2.3 billion over the five-year funding settlement, the fastest uplift in funding.

The NHS Long Term Plan laid out how this funding will be invested, with a focus on primary, community and mental health services, helping to deliver prevention and to manage demand.

Dementia is a top priority for the Government. In 2015, the Challenge on Dementia 2020 was launched and I know that the Government remains committed to delivering this. This sets out the vision for dementia care, support, awareness, and research to be transformed by 2020.

The UK is the largest donor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, committing £1.44 billion between 2016 and 2020. This support will vaccinate 76 million additional children by 2020, saving 1.4 million lives from vaccine-preventable diseases in 68 of the world’s poorest countries.

I use the NHS exclusively for myself and my family. I am totally committed to preserving its principle as a well-funded service free at the point of delivery.