Context
The Care Quality Commission found high levels of staff vacancies in psychiatric intensive care units and acute mental health wards in South Cumbria, putting patient safety at risk. Additionally, the Integrated Care Board in South Cumbria is making cuts of £142 million this year.
Question
I thank the Minister for his reply, but this month the Care Quality Commission found high levels of staff vacancies in the already understaffed psychiatric intensive care units and acute mental health wards in South Cumbria, concluding that this is putting patient safety “at risk”. Yet, worryingly, the ICB in South Cumbria is making additional cuts of £142 million this year, with North Cumbria also making cuts. In the light of that, what is his plan to intervene to ensure that mental health staffing in Cumbria is increased to safe levels?
Answer from The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I thank the hon. Member for that. There is no doubt that the NHS, universities and others need to do more to get students, trainees and qualified doctors and mental health specialists in places where the NHS and patients need them. We will publish a refreshed workforce plan later this year to ensure that the NHS has the right people in the right places to care for patients when they need it.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific intervention plan or timeline for increasing staffing levels in Cumbria's mental health services.
How: Will Publish A Refreshed Workforce Plan Later This Year
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