Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to safeguard access to psychosocial professionals for (1) paediatric, and (2) adult, cystic fibrosis patients in the UK.

NHS England’s adult and paediatric cystic fibrosis service specifications set out national standards, including the importance of access to multidisciplinary teams involving appropriately trained clinical psychologists and social workers. There are regular review meetings between the regional commissioning teams and providers to ensure compliance with service standards across the range of services commissioned.

Health Education England has supported a 60% expansion in the clinical psychology training intake over the past two years. Trainees can undertake specialist placements and upon qualification take up posts across a wide range of settings, including working with adults and children with cystic fibrosis.

The Government committed at least £500 million to develop and support the adult social care workforce over the next three years. We are ensuring a sufficient supply of social workers through measures such as support and development for a post-graduate mental health social work programme, the Education Support Grant and Social Work Bursaries.