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Written question asked by Tom Morrison (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Spinal Injuries: Surgery

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure that delays to spinal operations are mitigated against and minimised.

Answer

The Government recognises the significant impact that delays to spinal surgery can have on patients and is taking action to reduce waiting times and minimise cancellations.

As set out in the Elective Reform Plan, we are increasing elective capacity and improving productivity across the National Health Service, including through the expansion of dedicated surgical hubs. These hubs use ringfenced staff and facilities to protect planned operations from urgent and emergency pressures.

NHS England also provides targeted national and regional support to trusts with the greatest waiting list pressures, including through the clinically led Getting It Right First Time programme and their Further Faster programme for spinal services.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
125049
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Waiting lists Surgery Spinal injuries
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk