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Reform of the Mental Health Act: White Paper
16 June 2021
Lead MP
Helen Hayes
Dulwich and West Norwood
Lab
Responding Minister
Nadine Dorries
Tags
NHSMental Health
Word Count: 3652
Other Contributors: 0
At a Glance
Helen Hayes raised concerns about reform of the mental health act: white paper in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks for a commitment from the Minister to expedite the implementation of Seni's law and to fund advocacy services for children and young people who are admitted as mental health in-patients, whether by formal or informal routes. They also seek assurance that out-of-area placements for children and young people will be avoided.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP is concerned about racial disparities in mental health services, highlighting that black people are four times more likely to be sectioned than white people. They also point out that for every one white person diagnosed with schizophrenia, 4.7 black people and 2.4 Asian people are diagnosed. Additionally, the experience of racism has been linked to increased likelihood of developing mental health problems. The MP is worried about whether proposed reforms will address these inequalities.
Government Response
Nadine Dorries
Government Response
Thanked Helen Hayes for raising concerns about the Mental Health Act reform. Mentioned Sir Simon Wessely's review highlighting racial disparities in detention rates, accepted 124 out of 127 recommendations. Discussed reforms including care plans and advance choice documents, new rights to challenge decisions, addressing disproportionate use of Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) among black people. Addressed Seni's law to ensure force is used as a last resort, outlined steps towards implementation by November. Assured communities that reform efforts are ongoing despite delays due to COVID-19.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.