Government urged to back inquiry

Labour will today urge the Scottish Parliament to support a comprehensive public inquiry into mental health services in NHS Tayside.

The party will use its opposition business this afternoon to call a vote for an inquiry into services at the health board after a spate of suicides including that of David Ramsay.

The motion is likely

to receive support from other opposition parties.

Mr Ramsay took his own life after twice being rejected for treatment in 2016 by the Carseview Centre next to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. He was turned away despite making three attempts on his own life.

His case is one of several being highlighted by the Lost Souls campaign, which has been established in Dundee by families affected by suicide.

Last week NHS Tayside announced an independent review of the Carseview Centre which would report to the health board.

Families believe this does not go far enough and want a full public inquiry of mental health services across the whole region.

Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar said: “Holyrood must listen to the families of Tayside and back a full public inquiry into mental health services.”