Mental and Physical Health Services 2025-11-25
2025-11-25
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK's mental health system is strained, with long waits for treatment. Rethink Mental Illness reported that 12 times as many people are waiting for mental health treatment compared to physical health treatment; nearly one-third attempted suicide during wait periods.
Our mental health system is still suffering from the strain of 14 years of Conservative government. Rethink Mental Illness has reported that 12 times as many people are now waiting for mental health treatment than for physical health treatment, with nearly a third attempting suicide while waiting and one in five losing their jobs. What are the Government doing to tackle those long waits and offer support to people before they reach crisis point?
The 10-year health plan will build on existing work to reduce waiting lists, including an extra £688 million of real-terms investment this year. The Government have already recruited 6,500 mental health staff out of the promised 8,500 by the end of Parliament and are introducing 24/7 mental health crisis support services through NHS 111. Additionally, the Mental Health Bill is in its final parliamentary stages to modernise legislation.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The all-party parliamentary group on eating disorders published a report highlighting the issue of inaccurate recording of eating disorders on death certificates. The Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health promised an update over two months ago but has not delivered it.
My all-party parliamentary group on eating disorders recently published a report on preventing eating disorder-related death, highlighting that eating disorders are not accurately recorded on death certificates. I was promised an update from the Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health over two months ago but am yet to receive one. How much longer will I have to wait?
I am genuinely sorry that the hon. Lady has not received the reply to which she is entitled. I will look into it myself, take it up with my ministerial colleague, and ensure that a reply is expedited in the fashion in which it should have been in the first place.
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Assessment & feedback
commitment on timeline for update
Will Look Into
Ensure Reply Is Expedited
Response accuracy