Doors close on Argyll’s acute mental health ward
Patient safety and wellbeing has been our priority Dr Michael Hall Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership
needed is a sustainable workforce plan, with the right staff with the right skills in the right place, wherever the service is being delivered. The RCN will be monitoring the situation and is prepared to work with the health board to achieve a safe solution.’
Argyll and Bute councillor Dougie Philand, who has experience in a mental health role, said: ‘My understanding is that management are currently recruiting staff and once they have done so will be able to provide a safe and quality service for those who require intensive care.’
He added: ‘If you look at what we do for physical illnesses or trauma patients in need of intensive care, we helicopter people out to an appropriate and safe service.’
Inpatient facilities are being moved to the ground floor of the nearby Mid Argyll Hospital until a new home can be found. care environment and the availability of trained nursing staff.’
He concluded: ‘In reaching this decision, patient safety and wellbeing have been our priority.’
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said patient safety was the most important thing and it was right to close the ward if this was in any doubt. Bob McGlashan, RCN senior officer for Highland, said: ‘What’s important is that whoever is delivering care for patients has the right skills and knowledge to do so safely. What is AN INTENSIVE psychiatric care unit at Argyll and Bute Hospital has closed its door to new patients.
The unit deals with the most seriously ill patients and the action has been taken, in part, due to a lack of staff. NHS Highland said there is a national problem in recruiting medical staff to rural areas.
The hospital can still be used as a place of safety for up to three days for assessment, but patients will have to leave Argyll if they need further care.
It is unclear how long the ward will remain closed and it will only be opened again when there are enough staff to ensure patients can be properly cared for.
Dr Michael Hall, medical director for Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, said: ‘We recently carried out a review of inpatient mental health services within Argyll and Bute Hospital and a number of challenges were identified, including the provision of a safe