Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the sufficiency of acute beds available to mental health patients; and what they consider to be the reasons for any insufficiency.

It is for local commissioners to assess the sufficiency of acute beds available to mental health patients. However, the Government has made it clear that beds must always be available for those who need them.

The Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat is a commitment for agencies to work together to improve the system of care and support for people in crisis. The Concordat makes it clear that local commissioners should commission a range of mental health services that respond rapidly and appropriately to a person in urgent need. Every area in England has signed up to the Concordat and is developing action plans to make these pledges a reality.