Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Mental Health Services Armed Forces 2021-09-20

2021-09-20

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Gerald Jones Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
▸ Context
The MP is concerned about improving mental health services for military personnel. The existing Defence Medical Services provides treatment, but there are ongoing efforts to enhance access.
What steps he is taking to help improve provision of mental health services for members of the armed forces. He noted that the service currently includes digital triage and remote video consultation.
Leo Docherty
The Defence Medical Services provides a responsive and comprehensive treatment service, including improvements in access to mental healthcare with digital triage and remote video consultation.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not specify new actions beyond existing initiatives mentioned by the questioner
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Diana R. Johnson Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
▸ Context
The armed forces covenant states a moral obligation to care for those injured, but the government has missed targets on mental health services for veterans.
As the Minister knows, the Government have missed targets on all mental healthcare for veterans across all services in England. Unless that changes, does it not risk rendering the covenant meaningless? They need to get their act together on mental health services for veterans and the armed forces.
Leo Docherty
On the contrary, we are giving teeth to the armed forces covenant by passing the Armed Forces Bill, and we will ensure that no veteran is ever disadvantaged.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Did not address missed targets or concrete steps to improve mental health services for veterans
Giving Teeth To The Covenant Passing The Armed Forces Bill
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Gerald Jones Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
▸ Context
Charities supporting veterans have been impacted by the pandemic, leading to increased demand for their services.
What additional support are the Government offering charities in order that they can cope with demand? What more can the Government themselves do to support veterans?
Leo Docherty
The Government are putting an additional £3 million into Op Courage, making a total of more than £20 million this year, and an additional £5 million into armed forces charities, meaning that more than £25 million will go to them this year.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy