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Chair welcomes Government discussion about a national review of in-patient facilities

24 November 2022

Baroness Buscombe, Chair of the Joint Committee on the draft Mental Health Bill, has welcomed an announcement that discussions on a national review into in-patient mental health facilities are ongoing with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Providing evidence to the Committee on Wednesday, the Minister for Mental Health and Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield, suggested that a potential review would focus on high-risk patients.

Baroness Buscombe, Chair of the Joint Committee on the draft Mental Health Bill, said:

“It is encouraging to see that the Government is discussing a national review of all in-patient mental health facilities, with a particular emphasis on high-risk individuals. Our Committee has heard evidence that in-patient mental health facilities are under strain and that complaints processes are unclear. This is putting patients at greater risk. I hope that the Government follows through and fully investigates how to ensure that patient safety and choice are protected.”

Further information

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