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Screening: Digital Technology

Asked by Sir John HayesConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 29 June 2026UIN 9509

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure vulnerable patients are not excluded from plans to introduce digital screening at hospitals.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

National Health Service organisations must ensure that all patients have equitable access to care, and that decisions or policies do not unfairly disadvantage people or lead to an increase in inequalities. All NHS organisations are legally obliged to not discriminate against patients or staff.

This means that a non-digital solution should be available for those patients who cannot or do not wish to engage digitally, including those with mental health conditions or language barriers. These non-digital routes must be available for all services provided by NHS organisations.

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