Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that patients with mental health issues are regularly reviewed and supported during the covid-19 outbreak.

It is imperative that mental health services continue to offer access to mental health support, including for people who are already accessing. Mental health providers are part of their local emergency preparedness and response hubs. They are working closely with colleagues in social care, education, substance misuse, the police and the voluntary sector to ensure that vulnerable patients get the support they need.

NHS England and NHS Improvement are holding weekly information and update sessions with mental health service providers to support the implementation of local Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans. These plans include meeting needs by managing fluctuations in demand.