Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support former child patients who were not notified of time-limited compensation schemes relating to abuse in NHS adolescent mental health units.

We recognise the importance of former child patients being able to seek redress for physical and sexual abuse suffered.

In some cases where there have been serious institutional failings which have contributed to abuse, financial redress schemes have been provided. There are currently no plans for a national financial redress scheme for all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse with a connection to National Health Service adolescent mental health units.

In cases where abuse has occurred, the Courts are always available to patients who have been affected, whether or not a compensation scheme has been set up or the deadline has been missed.

Supporting child and adult victims and survivors of sexual abuse is a core priority for NHS England, delivered through a network of 48 specialist sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) across the country. NHS England commissions SARCs through a distinct national service specification, including working with specialist support services, ensuring that children and young people up to the age of 18 years old receive trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate care and safeguarding support, and that adults receive tailored care that reflects their needs and rights, with clear referral pathways to health, justice, and specialist support services. Additionally, the Government is investing up to £50 million to roll out the internationally recognised Child House model across all NHS regions. The model brings health, justice, and social care professionals together in a safe, child-centred environment to reduce trauma and deliver the care children deserve.

Through the 10-Year Health Plan we are also expanding NHS Talking Therapies so that more adults with anxiety and depression can get the help they need.