Appointments issue is a concern for us all

NHS Tayside bosses have come in for their fair share of criticism for perceived failings in the treatment of people with mental health difficulties. Nearly 200 people made submissions to an inquiry into services across the region last year, following a long running campaign by families who blame care standards at the Carseview unit in Dundee for a series of suicides. And just last month we reported on a rise in the number of people with mental illness being readmitted to hospitals within weeks of being discharged – and findings which showed Tayside has the fourth highest suicide rate in the country.

So, today’s revelation that there has also been an increase in the number of people who fail to turn up for appointments with mental health specialists is a further cause for concern.

It should not be surprising that people with mental health issues sometimes struggle with commitments. However, each missed appointment heaps further strain on a service which is already facing challenges and inevitably leads to additional delays for other patients who are waiting in line for treatment.

Punishing people, who are already troubled will not solve anything. Instead, the figures illustrate the importance of finding a holistic solution, in which medical authorities, friends and supporters work together with patients to ensure everyone gets the treatment they deserve.