Suicide prevention delays are ‘ridiculous’

Niece of suicide victim hits out at timescale for new Scottish Government training strategy

More lives will be lost because of “ridiculous” delays to a new training programme in the Scottish Government’s suicide prevention strategy, says a Dundee campaigner.

Minsters unveiled their long-awaited plan to reduce the number of tragedies by 20% within four years yesterday.

One scheme is for the SNP administration to fund improved mental health and suicide training by spring next year.

Gillian Murray, who lost her uncle to suicide in Dundee, said that target date will be too late for many.

“Refreshed suicide prevention training by May 2019 is ridiculous,” Ms Murray said.

“The strategy is already two years late. How many have died and how many will still die as a result of this delay?”

She also criticised claims in the report there has been “real progress” in tackling suicide, with figures published this summer showing 32 people killed themselves in Dundee alone last year.

She said: “The rate of deaths by suicide has increased by 61% in Tayside.

“How on earth can this be classified as progress?”

However, she welcomed £3 million of extra funding for suicide prevention and strategies to break down stigma and support those who have been bereaved.

Ms Murray’s uncle David Ramsay was found dead at Templeton Woods in October 2016 following a mental breakdown. He had been rejected twice for treatment by NHS Tayside.

An independent inquiry is being held into suicides connected with the Carseview Centre and wider mental health services in Tayside.

The Scottish Government has been criticised for delays in publishing the strategy, which comes nearly two years after the previous one expired.

Scotland will have a dedicated group – the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group – to implement 10 new measures to cut suicide numbers.

NHS workers will all receive training in mental health issues and suicide prevention as part of the proposals, while ministers are also pledging “timely and effective support” for those affected by suicide.

Dr Donald Macgregor, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said the plan “gives a clear signal that the Scottish Government is serious about supporting everyone, including children, who may develop a mental health problem”.

Mandy McLaren, whose son Dale Thomson killed himself in 2015, said: “They can put any strategy they want in place, but until these psychiatrists and mental health nurses start listening to the patients, and the patients’ families, nothing is ever going to change.”

“How many have died and how many will die as a result of this delay?

Picture: South West News Service. Gillian Murray and David Ramsay Sr, niece and father of David Ramsay who committed suicide in Dundee on October 9 2016.