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Written question asked by Jessica Toale (Labour) on Friday, 15 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Health Services: Women

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the integration of NHS England functions into his Department on ring-fenced women's health funding being absorbed into wider NHS budgets; and what steps he is taking to mitigate that risk.

Answer

The integration of NHS England functions into the Department of Health and Social Care is intended to strengthen accountability and reduce duplication, supporting clearer ways of working across the health system.

The transformation does not involve reductions to frontline services, and no investment will be cut to the National Health Service frontline.

During this transformation, the Department will continue to evaluate impacts and work collaboratively to ensure continuity of care and to identify and minimise any risks to patient safety. The future Department will have a dedicated National Priority Director whose portfolio will include women’s health and maternity to ensure girls’ and women’s health is effectively prioritised.

The Renewed Women’s Health Strategy, published on 15 April 2026, commits to new investments of around £2.5m and is supported by significant investment already committed through the NHS, public health and wider government programmes. This includes funding for gynaecology recovery and maternity estates which will deliver tangible improvements in the areas that matter most to women. The funding announced for the new policies in the Strategy will not be affected by the integration of NHS England functions into the Department.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1836
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Women Health services Finance NHS England
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk