Mental health probe will be far from easy

Amid a flurry of negative headlines regarding the financial situation at NHS Tayside in recent months, it would be easy to forget other pressing problems facing the health service locally.

Chief among them has been the treatment of those with mental health issues.

Long waiting times and allegations of poor care have been rife — something a new independent inquiry is hoping to address.

David Strang, a former HM chief inspector of prisons, insists he wants to hear about both positive and negative experiences.

There are likely to be some strong opinions expressed and it is important to realise that improvements are unlikely to be realised overnight.

Crucially, NHS Tayside bosses have pledged to co-operate with the inquiry and it is to be hoped they engage in the process with an open mind.

While the overall number of people with mental health problems has not changed significantly in recent years, it appears that sufferers are finding it increasingly difficult to cope and there has been an rise in the number of people who self-harm or have suicidal thoughts.

It is vital that such patients receive the support they need in a timely, efficient and effective manner.

There is already an appetite for improvement — that represents a good start.