COMMENT

people with mild to moderate depression should initially be offered therapy, self-help physical activity.”

The survey also points to a number of “worrying” incidents, including one case whereapatientwhoattempted suicide was forced to wait four months for an appointment. Another respondent claimed: “There is no facility to receive out-of-hours care unless you pay privately. I was told in numerous occasions that I would have to do this.”

The latest statistics show only ten Scottish health boards met the 18-week child and mental health services (CAMHS) target and only three met the target for psychological therapies.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Alex Cole-hamilton said: “It’s extremely disappointing to hear that almost half of those treated did not feel that they received an acceptable standard of care.

“Mental health professionals are under immense pressure and they are warning that the situation will only worsen unless the SNP live up to their warm words and deliver a step change for mental health.

“That’s why Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling on the SNP government to dou-

ALEX COLE-HAMILTON ble spending on children and young people’s mental health and secure a mental health professional in every police station, A&E and GP practice to deliver treatments.”

The survey by SAMH spoke to 319 Scots who have used NHS services in the past year.

It also found that more than three-quarters (76 per cent) said staff were courteous and sensitive. More than half felt they were valued as an individual. Almost 80 per cent had never been asked what NHS mental health services they would like in their area, while the same number said they did not know about systems in place to deal with unacceptable care.

SAMH provides more than 60 services across Scotland offering mental health and social care support.

“It’s extremely disappointing to hear that almost half of those treated did not feel that they received an acceptable standard of care”