The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
MSPs to vote on full public inquiry
MSPs will vote on whether there should be a full public inquiry into mental health services at NHS Tayside.
The campaigners Lost Souls of Dundee believe at least 10 suicides in the city could have been prevented if suitable support was available at Carseview.
Tayside health chiefs agreed to set up a review into the Ninewells centre’s operations after the tragic case of Dundee’s David Ramsay was raised at First Minister’s Questions last week.
A Labour motion before the Scottish Parliament today says that does not go far enough and that the health board’s entire approach to mental health support must be examined.
All opposition parties say they will support the call for a full inquiry, apart from the Greens, who will decide once they have heard all the arguments.
The Scottish Government hopes to win over their pro-independence partners in Holyrood with an amendment promising an upgraded inquiry if the Tayside review falls short.
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour’s health spokesman, said: “Holyrood must listen to the families of Tayside and back a full public inquiry into mental health services.
“The tragic case of David Ramsay was not an isolated incident. There are clear problems with mental health services across the region.
“It is not confined to one unit in one hospital.”
Mr Ramsay killed himself after being rejected twice for treatment in 2016 at Carseview.
John Brown, the interim chairman of NHS Tayside, said the review will “provide an opportunity to capture the concerns of the patients and families who use the services”.
Health Secretary Shona Robison welcomed the review, saying families must have “full confidence” that loved ones are properly cared for.