Mental Health Bill [Lords]: New Clause 2 - National strategy on mental health units
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Clause text:

New Clause 2 - National strategy on mental health units
“(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows.
(2) In Part VIII (Miscellaneous Functions of Local Authorities and the Secretary of State), after section 118 insert—
‘118A National strategy on mental health units
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of the Mental Health Act 2025, publish a national strategy to set out how the Government will ensure that all relevant mental health units meet or exceed “good” safety standards as assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
(2) A strategy issued under this section must address the following matters—
(a) recruitment, retention and training of mental health staff,
(b) patient-to-staff ratios, and
(c) safe staffing levels during crises and night shifts.
(3) Following publication of the strategy, a report on implementation progress must be laid before Parliament annually.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a “relevant mental health unit” is a facility used for treatment under this Act.’”—(Zöe Franklin.)