Dad gets apology after son’s death

THE father of a Dundee man who took his own life said today he had received an apology from the NHS for a “callous” response to his son’s death.

Lee Welsh, 27, a dad-of-one, was found dead at his home in Peddie Street, in the city’s West End, in July.

His family claim he was not given enough support to treat his mental health issues.

Dad Phil, 48, met health representatives after raising issues about a statement made by Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership (DHSCP) in response to Lee’s death.

The partnership said there was “a wide range of mental health services” available to support people who face mental health challenges.

Among the representatives at the meeting was NHS Tayside chief executive Lesley McLay.

Mr Welsh said: “We were disgusted with the DHSCP response and I took this up with Ms McLay.

“She proceeded to apologise on behalf of the organisation for what she admitted was a callous response to our claims that not enough had been done to support Lee.”

An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “Friday’s meeting with Mr Welsh was to discuss confidential matters relating to his son and therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.

“We have extended our condolences to the family and our thoughts remain with them at this sad time.”

Mr Welsh said he was now set to lodge a complaint against Coldside Medical Practice, where Lee was treated as a patient.

He added: “Because Lee wasn’t under the care of mental health services in Dundee at the time, the complaint needs to go to the practice that treated him.

“If we do not get an acceptable response from them, we will then be taking legal action.”

Lee’s parents have set up a website in memory of their son, which they hope will lead to action on mental health issues.

The website, notinvainforlee.co.uk, aims to provide a platform for other people to share their experiences of mental health.

Lee suffered from poor mental health for almost a decade, but his parents say he was never given a specific diagnosis.

A spokesman at Coldside Medical Practice declined to comment on the matter.

Phil Welsh holding a photograph of his son Lee, who died last month.