Charles Walker calls on the Health Secretary to ensure that the Care Quality Commission maintains at least the same frequency of visits to detained mental health patients as undertaken by the Mental Health Act Commission.

Mr. Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that the Care Quality Commission maintains at least the same frequency of visits to detained mental health patients as undertaken by the Mental Health Act Commission. [184177]

Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Mental Health Act Commission (MHAC) places great emphasis on its visiting programme, covering each hospital and each ward that accepts detained patients. The Care Quality Commission will take on the functions of the MHAC and we expect the Care Quality Commission to continue the good work of MHAC in safeguarding the rights of those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

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