The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Probe announced by NHS Tayside into Carseview suicides.

Page 13

- STEFAN MORKIS smorkis@thecourier.co.uk

NHS Tayside has announced an independen­t inquiry into mental health services at the Carseview Centre in Dundee.

The move comes after the Scottish Government was accused of ignoring grieving families in the Dundee area.

Campaign group Lost Souls of Dundee claims it has identified at least 10 suicides which could have been prevented had better help been available at Carseview.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard challenged First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about the deaths at First Minister’s Questions.

Just over 24 hours later, NHS Tayside announced it would commission an independen­t inquiry into mental health services at Carseview.

NHS Tayside chairman John Brown said: “Our aim is that this report will not only give the board robust independen­t assurance that the recommenda­tions of the recent Health Improvemen­t Scotland and Mental Welfare Commission inspection reports are being implemente­d, but will also provide a chance to capture the concerns of the patients and families who use the services.

“If the report highlights any areas for improvemen­t, or flags up issues where we can learn lessons, we will make any changes required immediatel­y.”

Gillian Murray from Lost Souls Dundee, attended the Scottish Parliament for First Minister’s Questions on Thursday. Her uncle, David Ramsay, killed himself after being refused admission to Carseview.

She said: “I’m pleased at this announceme­nt but it is not the end – this is just the first step. We have cross-party support and want a full public inquiry.

“I think now they know the scale of this they can’t get away with it.

“It’s good they have listened but it is sad so many people have had to take their lives for it to come to this.”

Mr Leonard said: “This is a welcome step forward. But the reality is that it should not have taken years of campaignin­g by bereaved families – and a tragedy being raised at First Minister’s Questions – to deliver this limited review.

“It is essential that the review goes wider than just Carseview as the grieving families demand.”

 ?? Picture: Bob Douglas. ?? David Ramsay killed himself after being refused admission to the Carseview Centre, Dundee.
Picture: Bob Douglas. David Ramsay killed himself after being refused admission to the Carseview Centre, Dundee.

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