Care Quality Commission: Mental Health Care Waiting Times

Lord Kamall Excerpts

Thursday 8th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As the noble Baroness says, it is very important that people use the right support. Otherwise, there is immense danger in going for what is perhaps less suitable. To my knowledge, we have not made a particular assessment, but I will pick up the noble Baroness’s point, because it is very right. On a more positive note, we are—and I am particularly—looking at what support we can develop in a digital and online sense to support people, not just on waiting lists but to prevent ill health and assist in their recovery.

[Lord Kamall (Con)]

My Lords, given that there is a waiting list for mental health care, including community-based services, and given the many competing demands on public finances, what can the Minister tell the House about conversations that her department and local ICBs may well be having with local community non-state civil society organisations, including those that offer music, art, talking drama, dance and other therapies, to help those on the waiting list?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As the noble Lord is aware, I regard the contribution of the community sector—the third sector—as absolutely crucial here. I personally work very closely, like the department more generally, both to improve our practice and to recognise the difference that the creative arts, for example, can add to people’s mental well-being, as the noble Lord says.