§ Ms Julie MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice he has given to Welsh health authorities regarding mental health treatment for members of (i) black and (ii) other ethnic minority communities. [80196]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesWhen issuing advice to the health sector on mental health issues the Welsh Office is providing either a legally binding direction; action that requires a specific response; information or guidance or examples of good practice. These categories are equally applicable across mental health service users irrespective of cultural or ethnic background.
We are aware of the issues around mental health and ethnicity and shall consider the needs of ethnic minority patients when drawing up our plans for future Strategies on both child and adolescent and adult mental health services.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.
696W