§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the need for additional qualified staff to implement proposals in the draft Mental Health Bill; and what measures are being put in place to ensure that an adequate number of people with the necessary experience and qualifications are available. [65452]
§ Jacqui SmithThe financial and human resource consequences of the proposals in the draft Mental Health Bill have been estimated and are being considered as part of the spending review process.
We are acting to increase the workforce available generally to mental health services. A workforce action team (WAT) was established to look at workforce, education and training issues of the mental health workforce. A mental health care group work force team has been established to take forward the recommendations of the WAT report.
Now that the draft Mental Health Bill has been published, we will take forward plans to work with the professional bodies and other key national organisations on the implementation of the Bill, including workforce matters.
449W
§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many lay members of mental health tribunals had previously been users of mental health services. [65795]
§ Jacqui SmithMembers of the mental health review tribunal are judicial officers appointed by my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor. No information is held on whether applicants have or have not been users of mental health services.