Half Scottish mental health patients face ‘unacceptable quality’ of care

Almost half of Scots receiving mental health treatment on the NHS have endured an “unacceptable quality” of care, new research indicates.

Lengthy waits of months for suicidal Scots and patients beingadvisedto “payprivately” for treatment are among the cases recorded in a survey by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

There are also concerns that GPS are too quick to prescribe medication when other treatments such as therapy should be tried first.

The charity is now calling for waiting times to be brought in line with the 12-week target for physical illness ahead of an appearance today before MSPS on Holyrood’s health committee.

Health secretary Shona Robison has committed to introducing an “Ask Once, Get Help Fast” approach to mental health, but today’s survey warns: “There is much to be done to make this approach a reality.”

Hundreds of Scots who used NHS mental health services in the past year were surveyed by SAMH and the findings point to “worrying” shortcomings in key areas.

Just 60 per cent said they were confident they would receive a high quality of care, according to the findings which have been submitted to the health committee. Almost

0 There are also concerns that GPS are too quick to prescribe medication when other treatments such as therapy should be tried first half had received “care of an unacceptable quality”, while 60 per cent said they were not offered the most appropriate care at the right time.

“Medication is not always prescribed in accordance with guidance,” the SAMH submission states

“Official guidance suggests