Fire and Rescue Services: Occupational Health
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will confirm that introducing health monitoring for frontline firefighters in 2027 remains a priority for his Department.
Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson
On 16 April, the Department announced its intention to co‑produce a Firefighters’ Concordat on Health and Wellbeing, to develop a bespoke health monitoring offer for firefighters, and to undertake new research to improve the understanding of the long‑term health risks firefighters face and the most effective forms of support.
We are committed to implementing a health monitoring offer for firefighters, informed by evidence, clinical expertise, and sector engagement.
The Concordat will be jointly designed and developed with the sector, bringing together national and local government, the National Health Service, fire chiefs, employers, the Fire Brigades Union and other sector unions, along with firefighters themselves. This work is being taken forward through the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) on Fire and Rescue Reform.
The health monitoring offer will be developed in partnership with the NHS, alongside the MAG, and with firefighters and their representatives, employers, clinicians, public health and occupational health experts, and relevant national bodies. The MAG will provide a mechanism to maintain shared oversight as the offer is designed, tested, and refined.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →