Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department has issued to NHS mental health providers on continuity of care when therapists leave posts or are absent for extended periods.

NHS England has not produced specific guidance to National Health Service mental health providers on the continuity of care when therapists leave posts or are absent for extended periods, as maximising continuity of care is an important principle that is included in NHS England’s guidance to mental health services.

Staff turnover and absence are normal and unavoidable for all employers. Providers would be expected to minimise any impact on service users in such circumstances.

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, the Government is committed to making the NHS the best place to work, by supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals. We will also publish a 10 year workforce plan later this year to ensure the NHS has the right people in the right places to care for patients when they need it.