Athletes: Health Services
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 on (a) the number of and (b) participation rates in sporting events for (i) athletes with medical needs and (ii) athletes who require 1:1 care from volunteers.
Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson
The Manchester Arena Inquiry recommended that the Government make changes to the law to enable the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to regulate event healthcare at sporting venues and gymnasiums and under temporary arrangements at sporting and cultural events to ensure public safety.
The Government has considered the impacts of this change, and a public consultation allowed stakeholders to provide information on the potential effects. A de minimis impact assessment was developed.
A link to the explanatory memorandum for the proposed changes in regulation and the de minimis assessment is available at the following link:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2026/9780348279955/resources
Due to the unregulated nature of the treatment of disease, disorder, and injury at these types of events, monitoring and reporting of those with medical needs and conditions at such events is currently challenging to access. The CQC will be consulting in May which will provide opportunities for further consideration around the appropriate implementation of the regulation to sectors such as individual clinicians and volunteers.
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