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Written question asked by Lisa Smart (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Emergency Services: Mental Health

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what mandatory training requirements apply to emergency department staff in England on the care of patients presenting in mental health crisis.

Answer

Employers are responsible for ensuring that staff are appropriately trained to provide safe care.

Healthcare professionals are expected to be aware of and follow relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on mental health, self-harm, and suicide prevention.

In addition, the Staying Safe from Suicide Guidance, published in April 2025, sets out the latest evidence on the assessment, formulation, and management of suicide risk. Mental health practitioners are expected to align their practice with this guidance, and an accompanying e-learning package is available to National Health Service and non-NHS staff. The NHS Medium Term Planning Framework requires integrated care boards to ensure that mental health practitioners undertake this training and deliver care in line with the guidance.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
22562
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Emergency services Mental health Training
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk