Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to provide support to (a) health visiting, (b) children’s services, (c) CAMHS and (d) perinatal mental health services for the potential increase in demand for services as a result of (i) missed appointments, (ii) the development of additional needs, (iii) the potential increase in births as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

On 18 April, the Government announced a further £1.6 billion to be made available to provide essential services and support to those who need it most.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have been working with local government to modify and prioritise community health services. This has been compiled in line with clinical advice, with community health services prioritising service delivery so that the most urgent needs continue to be met. Health visiting services are continuing to deliver the healthy child programme predominantly via virtual methods, with health visitors encouraged to identify children that require a home visit.

Mental health services are working around the clock to support people with mental health issues through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Providers are seeking to maximise the use of digital and virtual channels to keep supporting existing and new service users.