Responses flood in to NHS mental health services inquiry

INUNDATED: Nearly 200 people make a submission outlining experience

Nearly 200 people have made submissions to the inquiry into mental health services in Tayside.

It began taking submissions at the start of September and has received 140 written submissions from people with experience of mental health services – either directly or indirectly – and another 40 verbal submissions.

The inquiry was ordered following a campaign by families who blame care standards at the Carseview Psychiatric Centre for a series of suicides and other incidents.

It had been forced to extend its original October deadline for submissions after being inundated with responses.

Gillian Murray, who has been at the forefront of the campaign for an inquiry since her uncle David Ramsay took his own life after being turned away by Carseview, said she was pleased at the high volume of responses.

Ms Murray said: “I’m not surprised to be honest – I think the figures speak for themselves. I am, however, very glad that there was a high engagement with the inquiry.”

Campaigners have claimed at least 10 suicides could have been prevented had better help been given at the mental health unit.

“Mental health services in Tayside are clearly failing us, in certain cases, fatally,” said Ms Murray.

“This has gone on for far too long but NHS Tayside first need to accept accountability.

“Until NHS Tayside genuinely hold their hands up to their failings then nothing will change.

“Without ownership, there can be no meaningful change and lives will still be lost.”

The inquiry is being chaired by David Strang, the former HM chief inspector of prisons.

Evidence has been submitted by patients, families and carers and healthcare staff in Tayside.

The inquiry will now analyse the evidence in order to identify the main areas for future investigation.

As well as the independent mental health inquiry, the General Medical Council had launched its own investigation into the medical staff who provided care to Mr Ramsay, 50, and Dale Thomson, 28, another Dundee suicide victim.

Both men took their own lives after dealing with staff at Dundee’s Carseview psychiatric facility.

The GMC says it has launched the investigation after “reviewing information in the press” and has informed the families of both men.

“Until NHS Tayside genuinely hold their hands up to their failings then nothing will change