Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of measures in place for GPs to be updated on new research and treatment guidance for the use of (a) anti-depressants and (b) mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for repeat episode depression.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence refreshed its Clinical Guideline CG90 Depression in adults: recognition and management in April 2016. This includes treatment guidance on the range of approved interventions including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and anti-depressants.

General practitioners are responsible for maintaining their continuing professional development, ensuring that they can provide high quality care to all patients.

Health Education England, through its local offices, has a role in ensuring employers remain committed to continuing professional development and in developing the overall strategy for workforce skills and development in their areas.