B

Baroness Merron (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 31 March 2025

Debate

Mental Health Bill [HL]

Contribution

My Lords, I thank noble Lords for their contributions. I will take each amendment in turn. The points on trauma were made extremely well and sensitively. Amendments 12 and 13 recognise the impact that childhood trauma can have on psychological well-being. This is indeed so. However, it does not apply to all patients, and that is why we do not wish to restrict decision-making by giving particular reference to this in legislation. I can point to Clause 8, which already requires decision-makers to consider the nature and degree of the disorder and all other circumstances, which could include childhood trauma. The definition of medical treatment under the Act is broad, as noble Lords have seen. Therefore, we expect it to cover interventions aimed at minimising distress and promoting psychological well-being. Additionally, NHS England’s care standards require that in-patient care be trauma informed.

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