Mental Health Treatment Reform 2021-06-08

2021-06-08

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The MP noted concerns about rising waiting times for mental health services, highlighting the impact on patient care.
What recent assessment has the Department made of changes in waiting times for mental health treatment?
We are transforming mental health services through the NHS long-term plan, investing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023-24. Where national waiting time targets exist, the majority are being met. Targets for eating disorder services are sadly not being met, but additional resources have been allocated to increase capacity and address waiting times.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a recent assessment or evaluation specifically on changes in waiting times
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Context
The MP referenced his background in mental health services and expressed concern about the impact of pandemic restrictions on vulnerable individuals.
Will my hon. Friend assure me that she will do everything possible to ensure mental health is given high priority as restrictions ease?
I thank my hon. Friend for his years of service working in mental health. Mental health is one of this Government's top priorities, and I assure him that we are doing our utmost to ensure that mental health services are there for everyone who needs them. Through the NHS long-term plan, we are expanding and transforming mental health services in England and investing an additional £2.3 billion a year in mental health services by 2023-24.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Damian Hinds Con
East Hampshire
Context
The MP welcomed the priority given to young people's mental health and requested an update on specific proposals.
Can the Minister give an update on progress on implementing the Green Paper proposals, particularly for mental health support teams in Hampshire?
We are making good progress on implementing the Green Paper proposals, and I am pleased to say that we have established 11 mental health support teams in Hampshire. Nationwide, there are currently 180 mental health support teams, covering around 15% of pupils in England. Over 200 more are in training or being commissioned, and we expect to have around 400 in place by 2023-24.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
The MP cited statistics showing a significant increase in the number of children referred to mental health services being turned away.
Is the Minister comfortable with these high numbers of children being turned away from treatment and does she think waiting times are acceptable?
The short answer to that question is no, and that is why we have committed an additional £500 million to address some of the issues highlighted. However, I must reiterate that the majority of our targets, where they have been set, are being met. Sadly, in eating disorders—we are trialling four-week waiting targets for children and young people.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether the high rejection rates or long waiting times are acceptable
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
The MP expressed shock at the Minister's apparent complacency regarding long waiting times for child mental health services.
Will the Minister apologise to these children for not getting timely treatment and explain where things went wrong?
I do not believe that meeting almost all our targets for NHS waiting times for mental health services, with £2.3 billion a year of investment into our NHS and no NHS mental health service closing during the entire pandemic, has been a failure. Of course I am sorry for those children and young people who cannot get access to services as quickly as they want; that is exactly why we committed an additional £500 million and established a mental health recovery plan.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct apology or clear explanation of where things went wrong
Response accuracy