Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026. It was answered by Preet Kaur Gill (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Psychiatric Hospitals: Hertfordshire

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of acute mental health inpatient places in Hertfordshire.

Answer

Since the pandemic, mental health services in Hertfordshire have faced sustained pressure, including a reliance on out‑of‑area beds, reflecting national trends. A 2023/24 review found local inpatient capacity was significantly below comparable areas.

In response, the integrated care board (ICB) and Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have expanded capacity, commissioning additional beds to bring provision in line with the benchmarked average. This includes securing local independent sector beds to keep patients closer to home and creating 15 new adult acute beds alongside additional older adult provision. The ICB has confirmed these beds will be open from the end of March 2027.

Alongside this, investment has focused on alternatives to admission, including a new urgent care centre model in Stevenage, and expanded community and voluntary sector crisis support, with improving mental health crisis care a key strategic priority.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
498
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Hertfordshire Psychiatric hospitals
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk