Tayside emergency measures rejected

Government stands by action taken over failing mental health services

Scotland’s first minister has refused to commit to putting emergency measures in place to deal with NHS Tayside’s failing mental health services.

However, Nicola Sturgeon did say the Scottish Government would “consider all suggestions” for possible action to steer it back on track.

Calls were made at Holyrood yesterday to place the service on the highest alert, following the publication of a damning independent report this week.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard pressed Ms Sturgeon to put NHS Tayside’s mental health service to level five, meaning it is “unable to deliver effective care” and Scottish Government intervention is required, during First Minister’s Questions.

Mr Leonard said the families of suicide victims had “no respect or trust” in NHS Tayside to implement the 51 recommendations set out by inquiry chairman Dr David Strang in his report published on Wednesday.

The former prison inspector found patients who were contemplating taking their own lives had been told to “get a grip” and “pull yourself together”.

Evidence from the report said patients often felt “they were not treated with dignity or kindness”.

NHS Tayside is at level four on the Scottish Government scale at present.

Mr Leonard said: “Will you today instruct your cabinet secretary to re-escalate NHS Tayside’s mental health services to level five, so that your government steps in to drive the transformation of mental health services in Tayside?”

Ms Sturgeon replied: “The Scottish Government will continue to take the action that is already under way and we will consider all suggestions.”

The first minister added that Dr Strang intended to publish another report next year showing the progress NHS Tayside has made in implementing the recommendations.

It came after he pointed out previous directions to the health board had not been carried out.

Mr Leonard said he had spoken to Gillian Murray – the niece of David Ramsay, who took his own life after twice being rejected by NHS Tayside’s mental health services – who had told him she was “terrified” the recommendations would not be met.

He added: “NHS Tayside has a history of evading scrutiny or deflecting criticism and of resisting change.

“They have repeatedly ignored recommendations from Health Improvement Scotland and the Mental Welfare Commission.”

Ms Sturgeon said the bodies did have the necessary powers and pledged ministers would continue to monitor the progress of NHS Tayside through the Tayside Oversight Group.

She added: “NHS Tayside has accepted the recommendations in full.

“These recommendations must be implemented and the concerns that this report raises must be addressed.

“We expect NHS Tayside and its partners to respond with a plan, describing how they will deliver the necessary improvements by the end of this month.

“We’ve made very clear to the board how seriously we take this report and that they must deliver the change required.”

NHS Tayside chairwoman Lorna Birse-Stewart said board members will discuss the report at its meeting at the end of the month.

She added: “The board views the recommendations in the final report as an opportunity to embrace a fresh approach to the design and delivery of mental health services across Tayside.

“It is important that those living with mental ill health, their families and carers, and our staff, know that the underpinning themes of the inquiry report will run through every aspect of our future plans, which will be developed in partnership with our integration joint boards and all stakeholders.

“The board of NHS Tayside is making a clear commitment to ensure better engagement with all stakeholders in helping shape the delivery of mental health services.”