Oral Answers to Questions

Valerie Vaz Excerpts

Tuesday 16th July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Anna Soubry]

Of course, the overall health budget will be rising by some £12 billion by 2015, and in relation to mental health, I have to say that I am exceptionally proud of this Government for making mental health such a priority, notably through the mandate. I think we are to be congratulated on at last recognising how important mental health is. In our view, it underpins almost all public health matters and so many of the troubles and conditions that people present to GP surgeries. Therefore, I think we are doing an extremely good job on this subject.

[Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab)]

4. What plans he has to implement the recommendation of the Francis report on safe staffing levels.

[The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt)]

We agree with Robert Francis that there is a need for evidence-based guidance and tools to inform appropriate staffing levels. We have set out a number of recommended actions to support appropriate staffing levels in “Compassion in Practice”—the nursing, midwifery and care staff vision and strategy for England.

[Valerie Vaz]

I thank the Secretary of State for his answer, but Robert Francis said in his report that minimum safe staffing levels lead to helping patient safety. If the Secretary of State agrees with Robert Francis, why does he not implement that recommendation now?