Rennie calls for ‘major rewrite’ of government’s mental health plans
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has claimed the Scottish Government’s forthcoming mental health strategy “needs a major rewrite”.
He highlighted criticism from organisations including Marie Curie on the draft plan and said many think it is “not good enough”.
He raised concerns at First Minister’s Questions on mental health provision at young offenders institutions, saying there had been a sixfold increase in attempted suicide at YOI Polmont.
Nicola Sturgeon said young people in detention should have access to good quality mental health services to deal with what is often the underlying causes of their offending.
She said the new strategy is aimed at meeting the rising demand for mental health services along with additional funding, including the £10 million recently announced for a two-year project to boost support at primary care level.
Mr Rennie said: “Does the First Minister accept that this draft mental health strategy - which is already a year late needs a major rewrite?”
Ms Sturgeon said: “I think the problem for Willie Rennie here is that he is alleging that the mental health strategy doesn’t cover this particular issue but the mental health strategy hasn’t actually been published yet. It will not be published until the new year.”