The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Complaints up at Carseview unit
The number of issues raised about the Carseview mental health unit has risen 270% in three years, according to new figures.
At least 73 complaints were made by members of the public last year, up from 27 in 2014.
Last week a public consultation was launched on Tayside’s acute mental health inpatient wards, with the Mulberry Unit at Stracathro to be closed in favour of Carseview.
The service recorded 27 concerns about staff attitude and behaviour and 24 concerns about clinical treatment.
Seven concerns were raised on the topic of oral communication, while five were raised regarding the handling of other complaints.
Other issues included staff competence and personal records.
NHS Tayside declined to provide specific figures on any issue which was raised less than five times in case it led to individuals being identified.
Fewer than five complaints were either upheld or partially upheld each year for the last three years.
A North East MSP said the upward trend in complaints was cause for concern.
Scottish Conservative MSP Bill Bowman said: “The fact that the number of complaints and issues being raised is on the rise is a deeply worrying sign for patients.”
He added that the figures revealed further evidence of the “genuine struggle” facing NHS Tayside.
NHS Tayside’s associate medical director for mental health and learning disability Dr Neil Prentice said: “Mental health services have changed significantly since 2015/16, with an increase in the number of services provided at the Carseview Centre.
“This means that complaints related to other Tayside services are now reflected in the Carseview figures.”