HC Deb 28 January 1994 vol 236 c418W
Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many districts have a 24-hour, seven-day crisis intervention service provided by experienced mental health workers.

Mr. Bowis

All district health authorities are required to have psychiatrists approved under section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983 available and similarly all local authorities are required to have approved social workers. Dedicated crisis intervention services are in place where assessed needs suggest this is a cost-effective way of providing services.

Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of staff in mental health units are trained to provide(a) case management, (b) community crisis intervention, (c) home-based care and (d) normalised day care.

Mr. Bowis

Mental health staff are expected to be able to work in a variety of service settings and to provide a range of services to patients. It is a matter for local health authorities to decide on training strategies.