Tag: Department of Health and Social Care

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 23 September 2025.

Patients with a potentially deadly illness will be diagnosed sooner thanks to a new life-saving patient safety initiative called Jess’s Rule.

• GPs across England to take ‘3 strikes and rethink approach’ after 3 appointments – as Jess’s Rule rolled out nationwide to prevent avoidable deaths
• Move will save lives and help catch serious, deadly conditions earlier, particularly in young people
• Named after Jessica Brady, who tragically died of cancer aged 27 after 20 appointments at her GP surgery failed to diagnose her condition

Patients with a potentially deadly illness will be diagnosed sooner through a new life-saving patient safety initiative called Jess’s Rule that is being rolled out across the NHS in England today (23 September 2025).

Jess’s Rule is named in memory of Jessica Brady, who died of cancer in December 2020 at the age of 27, and will help avoid tragic, preventable deaths as GPs are supported to catch potentially deadly illnesses sooner. 

In the 5 months leading up to her death, Jessica had more than 20 appointments with her GP practice but eventually had to seek private healthcare. She was later diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma. With such an advanced disease there was no available treatment. She was admitted into hospital where she died 3 weeks later.

The new initiative will ask GPs to think again if, after 3 appointments, they have been unable to offer a substantiated diagnosis, or the patient’s symptoms have escalated.

While many GP practices already use similar approaches in complex cases, Jess’s Rule will make this standard practice across the country, aiming to reduce health inequalities and ensuring everyone – no matter their age or background – receives the same high standard of care.

Designed in collaboration with the chair of Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and NHS England, Jess’s Rule will help to catch serious conditions earlier and support GPs with guidelines that bolster their clinical judgement, while encouraging them to reflect, review and rethink if they are uncertain about a patient’s condition.

Jess’s mum Andrea Brady said:

Jess lived for just 3 short weeks following her terminal cancer diagnosis. Despite her shock and devastation, she showed unfailing courage, positivity, dignity and love. Jess was determined that people should understand how desperately she had tried to advocate for herself and seek a resolution for her declining health.

In the bleak weeks following the loss of Jess, I realised it was my duty to continue what she had started. It has taken nearly 5 years to bring about Jess’s Rule. I would like to dedicate this initiative to all the young people who have been diagnosed too late.

It has only been made possible because of the people who have listened – politicians, medics and the nearly half a million who supported the campaign.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

Jessica Brady’s death was a preventable and unnecessary tragedy. I want to thank her courageous family, who have campaigned tirelessly through unimaginable grief to ensure Jessica’s legacy helps to save the lives of others.  

Patient safety must be the bedrock of the NHS, and Jess’s Rule will make sure every patient receives the thorough, compassionate and safe care that they deserve, while supporting our hardworking GPs to catch potentially deadly illnesses.

I don’t want any family to endure the pain Jessica’s family have been through. This government will learn from such tragedies and is taking decisive action to improve patient safety.

Jess’s Rule could support GPs to ensure continuity of care for patients with persistent health concerns. This could involve arranging face-to-face consultations if previous appointments were remote, conducting thorough physical examinations, or ordering additional diagnostic tests.

It also encourages GPs to review patient records comprehensively, seek second opinions from colleagues, and consider specialist referrals when appropriate.

Research shows that younger patients and those from ethnic minority backgrounds often face delays in diagnosis of serious conditions, as their symptoms may not match typical presentation patterns seen in older or White patients.

A report from the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation on cancer diagnosis in younger people and people of minority ethnicities found that half of 16 to 24 year olds required 3 or more interactions with a healthcare professional from a GP practice before being diagnosed with cancer, compared to 1 in 5 across the whole population. 

Jess’s Rule emphasises the need to remain alert to symptoms that might suggest serious conditions, regardless of a patient’s age or ethnicity, thereby reducing health inequalities.

Dr Claire Fuller, National Medical Director at NHS England, said:

I am very humbled by the efforts of Andrea and Simon Brady, who have campaigned for this important initiative which will undoubtedly save lives by avoiding missed or delayed diagnoses and ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time.

Many clinicians already apply a version of ‘3 strikes and rethink’ in their routine practice, but Jess’s Rule formalises this instinctive approach, providing a consistent structure to support reflection and timely action for patients.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of RCGP, said:

No GP will ever want to miss signs of serious illness, such as cancer. Ensuring a timely diagnosis often means better outcomes for patients – but many conditions, including many cancers, are challenging to identify in primary care because the symptoms are often similar to other, less serious and more common conditions. Alternative diagnoses are often more likely, particularly when considering risk factors such as age.

If a patient repeatedly presents with the same or similar symptoms, but the treatment plan does not seem to be making them better – or their condition is deteriorating – it is best practice to review the diagnosis and consider alternative approaches. We hope that by formalising this with Jess’s Rule, it will remind GPs to keep this at the forefront of their minds. The college has also worked with Jess Brady’s family and the Jessica Brady CEDAR Trust to develop an educational resource for GPs on the early diagnosis of cancer in young adults, based around the principles of Jess’s Rule.

Jessica Brady’s legacy will ensure that patient voice is at the heart of healthcare – a key commitment in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan.

This initiative, targeting primary care, builds on the recent rollout of Martha’s Rule to every acute hospital in England, which empowers patients, families and carers to request urgent clinical reviews if they are concerned about deteriorating conditions not being adequately addressed.

Jess’s Rule is just one of the ways the government is supporting GPs to provide world class healthcare for patients as part of the Plan for Change.

This includes recruiting over 2,000 extra GPs in a year, providing vital cash for over 1,000 GP surgeries to create additional space to see more patients, and securing a record funding boost for practices – over £1 billion in 2025 to 2026. Public satisfaction with GP services is finally on the rise, with 73.6% of patients describing their GP experience as “good” according to recent ONS statistics, up 6.2% since July 2024.

By catching illnesses at earlier stages, Jess’s Rule will help reduce hospital backlogs, improve outcomes for patients and save lives.

Jess’s Rule is an initiative overseen by NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care and endorsed by RCGP. 

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 4 September 2025.

An ‘Advice and Guidance’ scheme – backed by £80 million – that enables GPs to liaise with specialists, saw 113,000 more patients receive quicker care in April.

Thousands more people are being treated quicker by community-based services rather than waiting for hospital care thanks to increased use of GP guidance
GPs are getting early expert advice to help direct patients to the care they need quicker including services like dietitians, physiotherapists and sexual health experts
Part of the Plan for Change to rebuild the NHS, the common sense approach means patients get seen quicker and unnecessary pressure is reduced on hospital services
Over 113,000 more people got appropriate care quicker in April thanks to the common sense ‘Advice and Guidance’ scheme that enables GP to lean on specialists straight after seeing patients rather than sending them to wait for a hospital appointment.

GPs can quickly consult clinicians who advise if patients need to be treated in hospital or not – referring them to wider services instead, like dietitians, physiotherapists and sexual health experts.

This means patients can start more appropriate treatment sooner, stopping thousands waiting weeks unnecessarily for a hospital appointment, only to be referred back.

With 99% of general practices now signed up since incentives were announced in April, this has allowed thousands more patients to receive care for conditions months sooner, avoiding an average 13-week wait to begin treatment.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said:

Through our Plan for Change, we’re taking a common sense approach that’s tapping into existing expertise in the system, making use of wider services, and getting patients the right care faster.

Over 100,000 people have avoided unnecessary hospital queues because GPs are bypassing waiting lists and going direct to specialists for expert advice. It means quicker care for patients closer to home, less pressure on hospitals and more time for doctors to focus on those who need them most.

It’s a win-win to deliver care closer to home, and create a more efficient, joined-up NHS that’s improving patient outcomes.

The scheme has been backed by £80 million by this government, with GP surgeries benefiting from £20 for each referral made under the system.

The number of patients bypassing waiting lists through this system and benefiting from earlier specialist input via Advice and Guidance increased by 14% in 2024/25 compared with the previous financial year – with the new financial incentives set to supercharge this.

Thanks to this government’s focus on Advice and Guidance, waits for first outpatient appoints fell by 10 weeks at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, for patients with liver, stomach and bowel conditions are now waiting 10 weeks less for treatment. Over 3,100 advice requests were processed in April, resulting in more than 1,000 patients being diverted away from elective waiting lists.

One example of how the scheme works would be for a GP to quickly consult a hospital specialist digitally after seeing a patient presenting with gastrointestinal issues. They would give advice on whether to refer the patient to them, or to out of hospital services, such as a dietitian, to receive more appropriate care.

As well as meaning faster care for patients, this has saved them both time and money – thanks to avoiding the need to travel up to 80 miles for a potentially unnecessary hospital appointments.

Dr Matt Warren and Dr Richard Thomson, consultant gastroenterologists at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said:

We are proud and delighted the work we have been doing with our GPs is reflected in the trust performance.

We have made the most of digital health records and modern diagnostics to get specialist opinions to GPs more quickly. This means patients are getting faster, personalised, and effective care.

Putting patients first is our guiding principle and this new way of collaborating feels professionally rewarding. We are committed to continuing to learn and improve the services for our patients.

Since the government announced the boost for the scheme in April, there has been a widespread increase in GPs using the scheme across the country compared to April last year – with 21% more patients benefitting in the South West, an 8% increase in the North East and Yorkshire and an 8% increase in London.

It supports the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to move more care from hospital to community and is progress towards its target of increasing diversions from elective waiting lists to up to two million by the end of 2025-26.

The Advice and Guidance programme forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, which sets out how mission-led government will get patients seen quicker and make the NHS fit for the future.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 2 September 2025.

The government will consult on banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under 16s due to negative impacts on children’s physical and mental health.

• Government to ban sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s
• Evidence links the drinks to negative impacts on children’s physical and mental health, sleep quality, and educational outcomes
• Move backed by parents and teachers and will deliver significant long term health benefits as part of government’s Plan for Change

Children will be protected from the harm caused by high-caffeine energy drinks under new proposals to ban their sale to under-16s.

Plans set out today will help boost kids’ health by stopping retailers from selling the drinks to children in a move that could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.

Around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day. There is growing evidence linking these drinks to harmful effects on children, including disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration and reduced educational outcomes.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?

Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity.

As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.

By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.

Research highlights that up to one third of children aged 13 to 16 years, and nearly a quarter of children aged 11 to 12 years consume one or more of these drinks each week, so early intervention is crucial if we are to deliver on our pledge to create the healthiest generation of children ever.

This is backed by parents, teachers and teaching unions who report on pupils being unable to concentrate and focus and even negatively affecting grades and academic performance. Evidence also shows that children from more deprived communities are more likely to consume these products – further contributing to health inequalities across the country.

Acting now to improve children’s wellbeing will not only help give them the best start in life and prevent them from a lifetime of poor health but also deliver tens of millions of pounds of health benefits as well as future savings for the NHS and increased economic productivity.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

Through our Plan for Change, we are determined to give every child the opportunities they deserve and the best start in life.

This government inherited a scourge of poor classroom behaviour that undermines the learning of too many children – partly driven by the harmful effects of caffeine loaded drinks – and today’s announcement is another step forward in addressing that legacy.

It goes hand-in-hand with our work to address the root causes of poor behaviour with targeted support to hundreds of struggling schools, access to a specialist mental health professional in every school and updated school food standards so children have access to healthy food and drink options during the school day.

The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers, including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines. The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.

Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but research suggests some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children, highlighting the need for a consistent approach that protects our children and is fairer for industry.

A consultation launched today on delivery of the ban will run for twelve weeks gathering evidence from health experts, education leaders, retailers, manufacturers, local enforcement authorities and the public.

Every child deserves the best possible start in life which is why we are also rolling out supervised tooth brushing for three to five-year-olds, , supporting free breakfast clubs and taking action to help families raise the healthiest generation of children ever.

And we have just announced the largest ever expansion with 30 hours government-funded childcare saving hard-pressed parents £7,500.

Carrera, a Bite Back activist from Milton Keynes, said:

Energy drinks have become the social currency of the playground — cheap, brightly packaged, and easier to buy than water. They’re aggressively marketed to us, especially online, despite serious health risks.

We feel pressured to drink them, especially during exam season, when stress is high and healthier options are hard to find. This ban is a step in the right direction — but bold action on marketing and access must follow.

Lauren Morley from Worthing, East Sussex is parent to a six-year-old. She also works directly with young people and schools on nutrition and mental health. She is a parent ambassador with Sustain. She said:

As a parent of a 6-year-old and an educator with 13 years’ experience, I’ve seen the harm these drinks cause. In schools, I’ve witnessed panic attacks, anxiety and poor focus, often after students consume multiple cans instead of breakfast.

My concern grows as my child gets older. When young people stop drinking them, we see their wellbeing, concentration, and mood noticeably improve. I welcome the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on restricting high caffeine energy drink sales to children.

Rounaq Nayak is a father to two children, living in Bristol. He works as a lecturer and is a parent ambassador with Sustain. He said:

As a parent, I welcome the government’s announcement on restricting high caffeine energy drink sales to children. I’ve seen how marketing and peer influence make these drinks seem appealing – from my youngest wanting to copy older kids to my eldest believing they make you ‘faster’ at sport. Clear regulation, alongside education in schools and for parents, is essential to protect children’s health and ensure companies are held accountable for how these products are promoted.

Charlotte Harrison, Senior Safeguarding Consultant, said:

As a safeguarding consultant and former teacher, I am delighted about, and strongly support, this consultation on a proposed ban of high-caffeine energy drink sales to under-16s. I have seen first-hand the damaging impact these drinks have on young people; there is no doubt that they negatively impact children’s health, behaviour, and learning, as well as contributing to long-term issues like obesity.

Protecting our young people from harmful substances is a vital part of safeguarding, and this consultation is a crucial step toward creating healthier, more supportive environments for our children to thrive in both education and life. I urge everyone to support this consultation to protect the future wellbeing of our children.

Stuart, Assistant Head Teacher of a Sixth Form, said:

As a teacher, I see first-hand the damage energy drinks do to students – from poor focus in class to poor nutrition and overall, well being. We do what we can to keep them out of classrooms and school in general, but without a ban, it’s an uphill battle.

These drinks are not for young people – and I’m delighted the government is finally catching up with clear rules and legislation to support young people to make healthier choices.

Professor Amelia Lake, Professor of Public Health Nutrition, Teesside University and Deputy Director of Fuse the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health said:

Our research has shown the significant mental and physical health consequences of children drinking energy drinks. We have reviewed evidence from around the world and have shown that these drinks have no place in the diets of children.

Other countries have age-restricted sales of energy drinks, Norway has recently announced their restrictions starting in 2026. I welcome this consultation, it will be a step forward in prioritising the health and wellbeing of our young population.

Barbara Crowther of the Children’s Food Campaign at Sustain, an alliance of over 100 food, farming and health organisations, said:

High caffeine energy drinks already carry warning labels saying ‘not suitable for children’, so it’s absolutely right for the government to limit them from being sold to children too.

They are branded and marketed to appeal to young people through sports and influencers and far too easily purchased by children in shops, cafes and vending machines. Parents, teachers and health professionals have all called for this policy, so let’s get involved with the consultation and support children’s health.

Katharine Jenner, Director, Obesity Health Alliance, said:

High-caffeine energy drinks have no place in children’s hands. We fully support the government’s proposal to ban sales of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s. This is a common-sense, evidence-based step to protect children’s physical, mental, and dental health.

Age-of-sale policies like this have a proven record of reducing access to products that are not suitable for children, and will help create an environment that supports healthier choices for future generations.

Sarah Muckle, Policy Lead for Children and Young People at the Association of Directors of Public Health and Director of Public Health for Essex, said:

Our children and young people deserve the opportunity to grow up in an environment which nurtures their potential, provides them with easy access to healthy food, drink and activities, and helps them thrive.

Energy drinks, which are currently made incredibly attractive and affordable to children through targeted advertising and marketing campaigns funded by the industry, are associated with a wide range of physical and mental health issues and so we are very pleased to see the Government acting on its promise to protect children’s health in this way.

A ban will not only make a huge difference to individual children’s health but will also have the knock-on consequence of enabling our children and young people to take a more active role in their education and their communities – something that will benefit everyone.

Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz, President of the Faculty of Public Health, said:

Mounting evidence shows us that high-caffeine energy drinks are damaging the health of children across the UK, particularly those from deprived communities who are already at higher risk of obesity and other health issues.

We welcome this public health intervention to limit access to these drinks and help support the physical and mental wellbeing of our young people.

Andrea Martinez-Inchausti, Assistant Director of Food at the British Retail Consortium, said:

BRC members banned the sale of certain energy drinks to under 16s many years ago, so we welcome this announcement as it will ensure a level playing field across all businesses who sell energy drinks. But most importantly, it will protect young consumers.

Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

We welcome this consultation. There is clear evidence that high-caffeine energy drinks are not only a health risk to children but that these products also affect behaviour and concentration.

They are banned in many schools but their wider availability means they can be consumed outside of school time with a knock-on effect in class. Restricting the sale of these drinks could be a relatively simple way of supporting learning and wellbeing.

Paul Whiteman, General Secretary, National Association of Head Teachers, said:

NAHT supports this proactive move to ban the sale of these drinks to under 16s. A healthy diet for children and young people is vital and these drinks, which are high in caffeine and in sugar, are not consistent with that. Evidence is also growing to support concerns school staff have over connections between these drinks and reduced concentration in the classroom. Anything which addresses this and helps pupils to focus on their learning has to be welcome.

Professor Steve Turner, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said:

Paediatricians are very clear that children or teenagers do not need energy drinks. Young people get their energy from sleep, a healthy balanced diet, regular exercise and meaningful connection with family and friends. There’s no evidence that caffeine or other stimulants in these products offer any nutritional or developmental benefit, in fact growing research points to serious risks for behaviour and mental health. Banning the sale of these products to under-16s is the next logical step in making the diet of our nation’s children more healthy.

Rebecca Tobi, Senior Business and Investor Engagement Manager, The Food Foundation, said:

Caffeine is a very potent stimulant, as many adults know all too well, so it’s very welcome to see the government moving forward with their commitment to ban the sale of energy drinks to children. Caffeine and energy drinks should have no place in children’s diets, yet remain heavily marketed to children. As well as needing to ban sales of high caffeine drinks across all places where children can buy them, government and businesses should also look to ensure these drinks aren’t constantly promoted to children – for example on gaming platforms.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 30 August 2025.

More than 40 people hospitalised following suspected use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is warning criminals that they face prison as it cracks down on the illicit trade in unlicensed botulinum toxin products, commonly referred to as Botox, used in cosmetic procedures.

The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit has launched a number of criminal investigations following a spike in hospital admissions believed to be linked to the use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products.

Between 4 June and 6 August 2025, 41 confirmed cases of botulism – a rare but potentially life-threatening condition causing paralysis – were reported across several regions in England, including the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit has seen evidence that some sellers and practitioners – often untrained – are obtaining unlicensed botulinum toxin products illegally and offering injections in unsafe, unregulated settings. The treatments are being delivered in informal settings such as domestic bedrooms and kitchens, hair salons, and through mobile beauty services. Members of the public are often lured in by adverts on social media promising quick, cheap results.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit is investigating the illegal trade in these products. Anyone caught selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin faces up to two years in prison and unlimited fines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.

Andy Morling, Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said:

“Criminals are exploiting the popularity of cosmetic treatments by peddling dangerous, unlicensed products, putting profit before safety.

“Anyone involved in the supply of unlicensed botulinum toxin – whether through organised networks or informal sales from kitchen tables, hair salons, or via social media – is breaking the law and endangering lives. The 41 individuals we’ve seen between June and August left seriously ill represent the devastating human cost of this trade.

“We are working across the country to identify those responsible, seize illegal products, and bring cases to court. We use the full range of our enforcement powers and techniques to shut down these operations and bring offenders to justice.”

This crackdown is part of the MHRA’s wider work to disrupt illegal botulinum toxin supply. Since May 2023, the Criminal Enforcement Unit, working closely with its partners in Border Force, has seized more than 4,700 vials of unlicensed botulinum toxin both at the border and inland.

Almost all of the seized products originated in South Korea, including brands such as Botulax, reNTox, Innotox, and Toxpia, which are not authorised for sale in the UK.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit also works with social media companies to remove illegal listings and disrupt criminal networks advertising unlicensed botulinum toxin.

Understanding the health risks

Botulism caused by botulinum toxin in cosmetic procedures is rare, but can be life-threatening. Symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop and may include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulty. In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation and intensive care treatment.

Anyone who has recently received a botulinum toxin treatment and develops any of these symptoms should seek medical help immediately via NHS 111 or emergency services.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said:

“No one should have to suffer serious illness or risk their life because criminals are flooding the market with unsafe products.

“This government is determined to crack down on cosmetic cowboys who exploit vulnerable consumers seeking cut-price treatments outside suitable medical settings. Through the MHRA’s criminal investigations and our new regulations, we’ll use the full force of the law against those who supply unlicensed medicines.

“I would urge anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to consider the risks and find a reputable, insured, and qualified practitioner.”

MHRA Chief Safety Officer Dr Alison Cave said:

“Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate prescriber such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

“Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA’s standards for quality and safety. As such, they can have life-threatening consequences for the people who take them.

“If you are offered botulinum toxin without a medical consultation, in an informal setting, or at a price significantly below usual rates, this should be treated as a warning sign. Lower cost does not mean safe; it may put your health at risk and could lead to hospitalisation.”

How to protect yourself and report concerns

Licensed botulinum toxin products undergo rigorous testing and quality controls to ensure they contain the correct active ingredient at safe concentrations. Legitimate treatments should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals in proper clinical settings with appropriate emergency equipment available.

Before any treatment, verify that your practitioner is medically qualified and registered with their professional body. Check that products being used are licensed in the UK by asking to see packaging and checking batch numbers. Be suspicious of unusually cheap prices, treatments offered in domestic settings, or practitioners who cannot provide proper credentials.

The MHRA urges anyone who experiences side effects or complications after a cosmetic procedure to report them via the Yellow Card scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 29 August 2025.

A free chickenpox vaccination will offered for first time to children across England on the NHS from January.

• Government to launch chickenpox vaccination programme in England from January 2026, which will protect around half a million children each year
• Eligible children will receive the vaccine during routine GP appointments, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox
• The rollout will help raise the healthiest generation of children ever, while reducing sick days and time parents take off work

Thousands of children will be protected against chickenpox for the first time in England through a new vaccination programme that will keep kids in school and parents in work while also saving the NHS vital funds.

From January next year, GP practises will offer eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) – the clinical term for chickenpox – as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.

It will mean kids miss fewer days in nursery and school while parents won’t need to take time off work to care for them. Research shows that chickenpox in childhood results in an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. The rollout will also save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.

The chickenpox vaccine has been safely used for decades and is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany.

Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said:

We’re giving parents the power to protect their children from chickenpox and its serious complications, while keeping them in nursery or the classroom where they belong and preventing parents from scrambling for childcare or having to miss work.

This vaccine puts children’s health first and gives working families the support they deserve. As part of our Plan for Change, we want to give every child has the best possible start in life, and this rollout will help do exactly that.

The vaccination programme forms part of the government’s wider ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever as part of our Plan for Change — boosting the nation’s health and ensuring the future sustainability of the NHS as we shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention.

The vaccine will help reduce cases of chickenpox and protect children from serious complications that can cause hospitalisation, such as bacterial infections like strep A, brain and lung inflammation and stroke.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency said:

Most parents probably consider chickenpox to be a common and mild illness, but for some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox can be very serious, leading to hospital admission and tragically, while rare, it can be fatal.

It is excellent news, that from next January, we will be introducing a vaccine to protect against chickenpox into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme – helping prevent what is for most a nasty illness and for those who develop severe symptoms, it could be a life saver.

We now have extensive experience from a number of countries showing that the vaccine has a good safety record and is highly effective. The programme will have a really positive impact on the health of young children and also lead to fewer missed nursery and school days.

The government’s decision to roll out the MMRV vaccine in January is based on expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), following research showing the significant impact of severe cases of chickenpox on children’s health, hospital admissions and associated costs.

Private vaccinations for chickenpox at pharmacies and clinics currently cost around £150 for a full course of two doses. This rollout will mean the vaccination will be available free of charge on the NHS to eligible children.

Other countries where the MMRV vaccine is already offered — such as Germany, Canada, and the United States — have seen substantial decreases in chickenpox cases and related hospital admissions since introducing their vaccination programmes.

Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England said:

This is a hugely positive moment for families as the NHS gets ready to roll out a vaccine to protect children against chickenpox for the first time, adding to the arsenal of other routine jabs that safeguard against serious illness.

We will work with vaccination teams and GP surgeries across the country to rollout the combined MMRV vaccine in the new year, helping to keep children healthy and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses.

The MMRV vaccine rollout forms part of the government’s overall aim to ensure young people thrive, as part of the 10 Year Health Plan. This includes expanding access to vaccines, as well as free school meals, mental health support and dental care.

This is the first time protection against another disease has been added to the routine childhood vaccination programme since the MenB vaccine in 2015.

Meanwhile, the Department for Education has recently announced plans to roll out Best Start Family Hubs in every local area, relieving pressure on parents and giving half a million more children the very best start in life.

The eligibility criteria for children will be set out in clinical guidance covering which age groups will get the MMRV vaccine and when, to ensure the most effective protection for children.

As with other childhood immunisations, parents will be contacted by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment if their child is eligible.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 28 August 2025.

Government to create ground-breaking new genomics population health service, with nurses in leading roles.

• Patients get improved access to life-saving DNA testing closer to home, as Plan for Change shifts healthcare out of hospitals and into community
• Enhanced government funding and tailored career development will empower nurses to lead and deliver innovative health and care research into range of conditions

Nurses across England will be trained as genomics champions in local communities to help patients get faster diagnoses and access life-saving treatment closer to home, as the government’s 10 Year Health Plan ramps up innovation in the NHS.

The government is creating a new genomic population health service, building on the existing NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS), to enhance the identification, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various conditions such as cancer, heart diseases, and rare genetic disorders – including kidney and neurological conditions – that can go undetected for years.

These specially trained nurses – along with other NHS staff – will help guide patients and family members through genetic testing that can identify the inherited causes of major conditions like heart disease, cancer and rare genetic disorders.

These nurses will identify patients suitable for genomic testing, supporting them to access genomic counselling if needed.

This means genetic testing closer to home, reducing travel barriers and offering more convenient options for patients – as the Plan for Change shifts care out of hospitals and into the community.

This approach is already starting to deliver benefits for patients. Dr Teofila Bueser, based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust – who is Director of Nursing and Midwifery for the NHS South East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance and a researcher funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)— is already using ground-breaking genomics research to protect her patients from hidden heart conditions that could strike without warning.

She facilitates genetic testing to spot inherited heart problems in her patients. Her research helps more people get heart health checks and genetic tests for conditions like irregular heartbeats and enlarged hearts that  run in families.

Thanks to her research, the days of anxious waiting are ending for worried families. Her work means patients and their families can get tested faster and receive continued specialist support even when they are seen at their local hospital.

Health Minister, Stephen Kinnock, said:

Nurses are the backbone of our NHS and this government is committed to giving them more opportunities and unleashing their full potential.

By creating new opportunities in genomic healthcare and research, we’re not only improving patient care but also creating fulfilling careers that recognise and use nurses’ invaluable expertise.

Our 10 Year Health Plan is transforming our NHS into a service that’s truly fit for the future and puts nurses at the forefront of this revolution.

Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and the Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics in the NHS said:

The establishment of a genomics population health service is an exciting and important development which builds on our world-leading NHS Genomic Medicine Service. It will enable more people to access genomic testing, not only for risk prediction and prevention, but also to help tackle the unmet needs of patients with undiagnosed conditions.

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said:

Nurses are at the heart of our NHS, and these advances will help ensure patients and communities benefit from nursing leadership in genomic medicine and research-led improvements.

Our nursing workforce already includes well-established leaders in genomics and research and this represents an opportunity to strengthen and enhance the excellent work of our profession in these fields, recognising their expertise in healthcare innovation.

Dr Teofila Bueser, Director of Nursing and Midwifery for the NHS South East GMS Alliance and an NIHR researcher said:

Researching genomics has boosted my nursing career and given me the opportunity to tackle genetic heart conditions to help the thousands of people who suffer from them.

I hope more nurses and midwives take up the opportunities for education, research and clinical academic careers in the field of genomics. By being leaders on genomics in the NHS, we can help give patients and families the genetic information they need to access better care and live longer,  more fulfilling lives.

The government is also building on the Chief Nursing Officer for England’s strategic plan for research and enhancing the strong foundation of nursing in delivering and leading research through investments in the sector and partnership with national, regional and local nursing leaders.

In 2024/25, over £10 million has been invested through NIHR to support nurses to develop their research and leadership skills and build their research careers.

Examples of where this investment has led to improvements in research include:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist Nancy Burridge, based in Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, led groundbreaking research using virtual reality headsets to help palliative care patients, showing significant reductions in pain and anxiety.
• Nurse Consultant and suicide prevention lead Katherine McGleenan, based in Cumbria Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, led a study to save lives by developing personalised care plans for adults who might be thinking about suicide.
• Clinical academic nurse Dr Takawira Marufu, based in Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, whose research helps detect pressure injuries – such as ulcers, bedsores, blisters – among children from ethnic minorities.

Support for nurses interested in developing research careers has been significantly expanded by NIHR through career development awards, attracting nurses from all settings into research and providing the training, mentorship and resources they need to become tomorrow’s research leaders.

Nurses play a key role in clinical research trials, and these advancements will ensure that the NHS can harness their expertise to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes.

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR said:

Nurses are key to the country’s research workforce. In recent years, the NIHR has significantly increased research opportunities to enable more health and care professionals, including nurses, to build research into their careers.

Through the 10 Year Health Plan, we have committed to go further, supporting nurses from all specialisms and in all settings to become research active, utilising their expertise to improve patient outcomes through research.

Laura Rooney, Lead Research Nurse at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

We welcome the Government’s initiative to invest in a dedicated research nurse workforce, to help drive healthcare innovation and expand the NHS’s ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.

One in three people born today in the UK will develop dementia in their lifetime – and only research will advance the breakthroughs urgently needed in dementia diagnosis and treatment.

Adding further nurses to the frontline of research, Alzheimer’s Society will soon launch its own network of dementia research nurses, in collaboration with the UK Dementia Trials Network – which is funded by the Government – to embed research into everyday NHS dementia care.

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said:

If undetected and untreated, inherited heart conditions can be deadly and devastating for affected families. BHF research has discovered some of the faulty genes responsible for these frightening conditions and is evaluating novel approaches to correct them but there’s more to do to prevent future tragedies. That’s why we’ve worked for years with NHS England, the Chief Coroner and other partners to make it easier for families to access genetic testing, and it is encouraging to see the Government’s ambition to expand genetic testing at a population level. When fully established, the genomic population health service will bring cutting-edge science into routine clinical care to help reduce the number of preventable premature deaths.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 18 August 2025.

100 community diagnostic centres across the country now offer out-of-hours services, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Milestone means tens of thousands of patients can access vital tests, scans and checks around busy working lives
• Delivering more convenient care out of hours as part of government’s Plan for Change, transforming healthcare and making the NHS fit for the future

Tens of thousands of patients across England can now access vital diagnostic tests and scans out of hours and in their community, with 100 community diagnostic centres (CDCs) opening in the evenings and on weekends.

With the government already delivering 7.2 million CDC tests and scans since July 2024, patients no longer have to choose between their job and vital health appointments as more centres open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Based in convenient settings closer to people’s homes like shopping centres, community hospitals and university campuses, many of these centres also offer free parking to make care as easy as possible, with many NHS services already feeling the positive impact of being open out of hours.

Latest NHS England data shows that the NHS delivered over 1.6 million more tests and scans from July 2024 to June 2025 compared to the same time the previous year.  For cancer, the NHS hit the Faster Diagnosis Standard with 76.8% – or 218,463 people – having cancer ruled out or diagnosed within 28 days, the highest June since the standard was introduced. Improved performance on the Faster Diagnosis Standard means that nearly 100,000 (97,000) more people have had cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days between July 2024 and June 2025, compared to the same period last year.

Extending opening hours for CDCs is opening up access and speeding up diagnosis for patients all around the country.

For example, Oldham CDC has slashed lung cancer diagnosis times from 42 days to just 18.8 days, meeting the Faster Diagnosis Standard for the first time. Queen Victoria Hospital CDC in East Grinstead now delivers five times more respiratory patient interactions per session, with 92% avoiding hospital outpatient appointments entirely. These centres are helping to speed up care, making it easier for patients nationwide.

Community diagnostic centres are a pivotal part of the government’s Plan for Change to transform care, moving it out of hospital and into the community.

By speeding up diagnosis and treatment, government is reducing pressure on overwhelmed hospitals and putting patients at ease faster.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

This government is determined to offer healthcare that fits around working people’s lives and not the other way around.

From early morning MRI scans to late evening blood tests, we’re meeting patients where they need it most by extending the operating hours for community diagnostic centres and putting patients first.

Our 10 Year Health Plan is revolutionising how healthcare works, and this achievement is a vital step in bringing care closer to community. Delivering on our Plan for Change, we’re building an NHS that’s fit for the future.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England National Medical Director, said:

We know people are living incredibly busy lives and it’s vital NHS care reflects that.

The services provided by community diagnostic centres enable people to receive the all-clear or a diagnosis at a time and location that suits them – whether before a school drop-off or after a work shift – and extending their opening hours means more people are being seen more quickly.

So, if anyone has any health concerns, we urge them to seek NHS advice so they can get the care they need.

Wayne Rowlands who visited the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) CDC for an emergency CT scan, said:

I came here for the scan and everything went very smoothly. It was such a pleasant experience. Absolutely brilliant. It’s very bright and not at all like a hospital.

The staff have all been absolutely brilliant as well. This is something really quite special that we have here.

The Plan for Change sets out how government is doing things differently to transform the NHS. By moving care out of hospitals into communities, embracing cutting-edge technology, and redesigning services around patients’ needs the government reforms are creating a more accessible, efficient NHS that works for working people.

The plan is backed by £6 billion of additional capital investment to improve capacity for elective, diagnostic and urgent care services over 5 years – with over £600 million capital funding committed for 2025 to 2026 to transform diagnostic services amidst growing demands. This includes funding up to 5 additional CDCs in 2025/26, as committed to in our elective reform plan, alongside extending opening hours for all CDCs at evenings and on weekends.

Patients can be referred to CDCs via their GP or hospital based clinical teams. The NHS is also making it easier for GPs to refer directly to CDCs via schemes like GP Direct Access, and developing more activity involving CDCs, so patients can have their diagnostic test ahead of meeting their consultant, reducing the number of outpatient appointments they need to attend.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 15 August 2025.

Patients who use social media to plan cosmetic procedures will now access more reliable information thanks to a landmark new initiative.

• New online campaign to give people clear, reliable advice before travelling overseas for cosmetic or medical treatments
• It aims to raise awareness of the risks, protect patients and reduce costs for the NHS of fixing botched procedures
• Part of wider government initiative to improve safety of cosmetic treatments

Patients who use social media to help plan cosmetic procedures will now be able to access more reliable trustworthy information thanks to a landmark new initiative between the government and TikTok.

More people are using social media apps like TikTok to research potentially risky operations – like hair transplants and dental work – abroad as they are often cheaper or more readily available than in the UK but are often presented with slick marketing campaigns that do not highlight the dangers of the surgery.

To help keep these patients informed, TikTok and the government have partnered with medical influencers, like Midwife Marley and Doc Tally, to create content to show the risks, help carry out thorough research and provide advice on how to make trips as safe as possible.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will also provide more detailed travel advice for those seeking to travel abroad for ‘tweakments’.

Health Minister Karin Smyth said:

Too many people are being left with life-altering injuries after going abroad for medical procedures, without access to proper advice or safeguards, often drawn in by deals too good to be true and promoted by influencers – some of whom have never been to the practice in question.

By partnering with TikTok, we’re helping people make safer, more informed choices before they go under the knife – wherever that may be.

Through our Plan for Change, we’re determined to protect patients, ease pressure on the NHS and make sure taxpayers are not left paying the price when things go wrong.

The campaign warns that when it comes to cosmetic surgery abroad, the lowest price can come at the highest cost.

It urges people to think beyond the slick brochures and marketing, and to consider clinical standards, complication risks and language barriers.

It will urge potential patients to speak to a UK doctor, take out travel insurance and steer clear of package holidays that bundle in procedures. The medics will provide a checklist to go through before considering booking a procedure abroad:

• research thoroughly
• check the clinic’s regulation and the surgeon’s credentials
• know the full cost
• understand the aftercare
• ask the vital question – if it goes wrong, who will fix it?

The online campaign is part of wider government efforts to curb medical tourism. Work is underway to stop events in the UK that promote procedures abroad and the government is working with other countries to improve patient care from initial consultations to post-surgery recovery.

The government is looking at additional ways of protecting patients who go abroad for these types of procedures, while ensuring the NHS is not left to pick up the tab for botched or harmful work.

The move follows the announcement last week to crack down on dodgy cosmetic practitioners in England. The new regulations will mean the highest-risk procedures, such as non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts, can only be carried out by qualified, specialised healthcare professionals, registered with the Care Quality Commission.  The measures also include developing a licensing scheme for lower-risk procedures like Botox and fillers, alongside introducing minimum age restrictions.

Minister Doughty, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, said:

Our aim is to explain the risks and help British people understand the actions they can take to keep themselves safe when abroad.

If you choose to travel abroad for medical treatment, it is vital you do your research and are fully aware of the risks involved.

We urge anyone considering a medical procedure abroad to review our travel advice, relevant guidance from the NHS and other professional bodies, and research foreign providers thoroughly to ensure they meet the highest standard of care.

Informed choices today can help avoid serious complications tomorrow.

Ali Law, Director of Public Policy, Northern Europe, said:

At TikTok we are committed to providing our community with information from trusted sources when searching for topics related to physical and mental health.

We’re pleased to work with the government on this new initiative to improve the safety of people going abroad for treatment and we will continue to promote credible content through our Clinician Creator Council made of NHS practitioners.

The FCDO has also updated its online travel advice advising people on how to stay safe when travelling abroad for medical or cosmetic reasons.

This work will help improve patient safety and reduce costs for the NHS by reducing the number of people needing medical support when things go wrong, providing greater value for the taxpayer and reducing pressure on staff.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 14 August 2025.

Baroness Amos has been selected to lead the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care to drive urgent improvements to care and safety.

• Baroness Valerie Amos has been appointed by the Health and Social Care Secretary to lead the national maternity and neonatal investigation
• The review will identify ways to urgently improve care and safety
• Bereaved and harmed families will be central to the investigation, including working with the Chair to shape her team of expert advisers and the terms of reference

Baroness Amos was selected by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting by direct ministerial appointment after feedback from bereaved families who expressed a preference for someone with distance from the NHS who is able to bring a fresh pair of eyes to the role.

The Secretary of State has been meeting regularly with bereaved and harmed families, let down by maternity and neonatal services across the country, including in some of the worst affected trusts. From hearing their stories, he ordered a rapid national investigation, to drive urgent improvements which will address systemic problems dating back over 15 years.

Baroness Amos is currently Master of University College Oxford, and brings a wealth of experience as a previous UK government minister and senior official at the United Nations.

She will be supported by a team of esteemed expert advisers, who will be selected following further engagement with families.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

I have been appalled by the many harrowing stories I’ve heard from mothers and fathers let down by the NHS.

Families asked for fresh eyes, independence and compassion – and that’s why I’ve appointed Baroness Amos. Valerie has an outstanding record of leadership and driving change – nationally and internationally. She will work closely with families to uncover the truth, confront problems and drive the improvements needed so every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality care.

Through our Plan for Change, we will rebuild the NHS to ensure no family suffers like this again.

Baroness Valerie Amos said:

I will carry the weight of the loss suffered by families with me throughout this investigation. I hope that we will be able to provide the answers that families are seeking and support the NHS in identifying areas of care requiring urgent reform.

The investigation was announced by the Secretary of State in June 2025 and will look at up to 10 services in the country. It will also review the maternity and neonatal system, bringing together the findings of past reviews into one clear national set of actions to ensure every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality and compassionate care.

It will begin its work this summer and produce an initial set of national recommendations by December 2025.

The 10 maternity and neonatal units will be decided by Baroness Amos and her team, alongside the terms of reference of the investigation, which are being developed with the families who have experiences of maternity and neonatal care, including those in Leeds, Sussex, Nottingham and more.

The investigation is separate from the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, which will be made up of a panel of esteemed experts and families, and chaired by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to keep up momentum and deliver change.

While the majority of mothers and families do have positive experiences of maternity and neonatal care, tragically there have been profound cases of failure, avoidable harm and loss that should never have happened. This investigation will explore why – and help drive lasting change to ensure every family receives the safe, compassionate care they deserve.

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 11 August 2025.

Thousands of new jobs will be unlocked across the healthcare sector to make sure there are enough jobs for every newly qualified nurse and midwife in England.

• Qualified nurses and midwives given better job opportunities upon graduation with new Graduate Guarantee
• New support for both graduates and trusts to improve recruitment processes and ensure a seamless transition from training to employment
• Better staffing of the NHS, part of Plan for Change to build an NHS fit for the future and improve care for patients

Thousands of new jobs will be unlocked across the healthcare sector thanks to government action to make sure there are enough jobs for every newly qualified nurse and midwife in England.

The government’s Graduate Guarantee will ensure thousands of new posts are easier to access by removing barriers for trusts, creating a wealth of opportunities for graduates and ensuring a seamless transition from training to employment.

These new measures aim to tackle graduates’ concerns about job availability, after record numbers of people chose to study nursing during the pandemic, while fewer nurses and midwives leave the profession.

While this demonstrates real progress in health professionals choosing to stay and thrive in their NHS careers, it has created barriers in the workforce – with up to 3 times as many graduates as there are vacancies in some areas.

To address this, the government has committed to a comprehensive package of reform and support, which will see more healthcare professionals deployed across a wide variety of sectors, improving access for patients as part of our Plan for Change.

This package comes as a result of collegiate and good faith working between government, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Nursing, demonstrating that by working together, the NHS, patients and staff all benefit.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

It is absurd that we are training thousands of nurses and midwives every year, only to leave them without a job before their career has started.

No one who dedicates themselves to a nursing or midwifery career should be left in limbo, when their skills are so urgently needed in the effort to rebuild our NHS.

I am sending a clear message to every newly qualified nurse and midwife: we’re here to support you from day one so you can provide the best care for patients and cut waiting lists. This new guarantee will benefit nurses, midwives and patients, helping to build an NHS fit for the future as part of our Plan for Change.

NHS providers will begin recruiting newly qualified nurses and midwives before vacancies formally arise, with trusts supported to employ staff based on projected need rather than headcount, ensuring the NHS has the right number of staff to provide the best possible care to patients everywhere.

Additionally, every newly qualified nurse and midwife will receive the backing they need to succeed in their first role, which includes an online hub with important information and advice for those applying for roles.

Vacant maternity support worker posts will be temporarily converted to Band 5 midwifery roles, backed by £8 million to create new opportunities specifically for newly qualified midwives and further ease the recruitment strain.

Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Burton, said:

Having been a student nurse, I know how important it is to feel supported, valued, and able to get on with the job you have trained so hard to do.

Every nurse and midwife deserves the guarantee of a job to apply for when they graduate, so we’re unlocking more opportunities right across health and care and providing refreshed online advice and support with applications to help ensure a smooth transition into employment.

We have more nurses and midwives than ever before choosing to stay working in the NHS, which is fantastic for patients, but we must ensure our newest graduates get the same opportunity to put their skills and passion to use without frustrating delays.

Royal College of Nursing General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, said:

Our student members have led the way in calling for ministers and healthcare leaders to provide certainty and clarity on jobs. Today’s announcement is welcome news that should provide hope to students as they come towards the end of their education and training.

When the health service urgently needs nursing staff, it was absurd to leave people in limbo. The test of this will be if students can find jobs, vacant posts are filled, and patients receive the care they deserve.

Ministers have to continue listening to nursing staff who are crying out to have their critical work valued – today’s action takes us all a little closer.

Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said:

We’re pleased that the government has listened to the voices of student midwives who are desperate to start their career, only to find those opportunities blocked. I know today’s announcement will come as a relief to so many of the RCM’s student midwife members.

These are people, mainly women, who have worked incredibly hard to complete their degree and are trained and ready to support our current midwifery workforce at a time when so many maternity services are under pressure. Ensuring we have the right midwifery staff, in the right places, at the right time, with the right education and training has never been so crucial as services are striving to improve safety.

Today’s new package of support is centred on patient care and the nursing and midwifery workforce, signalling a fundamental shift towards valuing and nurturing newly qualified professionals from day one of their careers, backed by investing in training and guaranteeing employment opportunities.

For newly qualified nurses and midwives, these changes mean greater certainty and access to a wide and diverse range of roles.

For the health service, they mean better workforce planning, improved retention and enhanced capacity to deliver patient care. For patients, they mean shorter waiting times and access to a well-supported, confident workforce.

Our Plan for Change is already delivering on making the NHS fit for the future, by working with staff to improve working conditions and ultimately patients’ experience.

Paul Rees MBE, Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), said:

A guaranteed opportunity for a role after years of hard work in education is excellent news for future nursing and midwifery graduates. It means highly trained professionals can move into roles more quickly, utilising their skills and knowledge for the benefit of patients and communities.

This is critically important at a time of rising demand for health and social care. We will continue working to place all new graduates on our register quickly and safely, so they can begin their roles at the earliest opportunity.

Steph Lawrence MBE, Chief Executive at the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN), said:

The QICN welcomes this news which will ensure we retain our newly registered nurses and also give them a good start to their journey as a registered nurse. It will be essential to ensure this occurs across all sectors of the NHS and in particular in community, given the shift from hospital to community.

Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive at Universities UK, said:

Our healthcare graduates power the NHS and this guarantee of additional support into employment is good news for students, the NHS and the country. This commitment comes at the perfect time as thousands of healthcare students prepare to start their university experience.

Our NHS is the envy of the world, and our universities stand ready to strengthen their partnerships with the NHS to deliver the workforce pipeline on which the future health sector depends.