§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many mental health beds are occupied by people being treated for physical health conditions; [169038]
(2) what his policy is on mental health beds in hospitals being used for treating people for physical health conditions. [169039]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe information requested is not centrally available. The Department monitors the average daily number of open and staffed beds in National Health Service hospitals. Figures can be sub-divided into different ward classifications, such as `neonates and children' or into sectors such as 'mental illness'. However, it is not possible to provide the information requested using these figures.
The Department does not have a specific policy on the use of mental health beds being used for treating people for physical health conditions. The national service framework for mental health standard five envisages each mental health service user who is assessed as requiring a period of care away from their home to have timely access to an appropriate hospital bed or alternative bed or place. Strategic health authorities have a responsibility to ensure trusts' compliance with this standard.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects to publish a timetable for the pre-legislative scrutiny committee stages of the Mental Health Bill; [169021]
(2) when the Government will publish the responses to the consultation on mental health. [169588]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonA revised and completed Mental Health Bill will be brought forward for pre-legislative scrutiny in this session. The Government's response to consultation on the draft Mental Health Bill will be published prior to consideration of the revised Bill by the pre-legislative scrutiny committee.