NHS bosses have been urged to tackle the use of cannabis on a mental health ward in Dundee.
The Mental Welfare Commission says many people on Ward 1 at the Carseview Centre have found the “strong smell of cannabis” in the evenings “unpleasant”.
The issue was highlighted during a visit to the centre by three members of the commission last November.
A report on the visit by Claire Lamza, executive director (nursing) – released on Wednesday – said: “(We) heard some comments about the strong smell of cannabis that was present on the ward in the evenings, which many individuals found unpleasant.
NHS Tayside ‘looking at ways to prohibit cannabis use at Carseview’
“We raised this with senior managers on the day and were told that they are aware of this issue and were looking at ways to prohibit individuals from using drugs on and around the wards.
“This has included liaison with other wards, Police Scotland and engaging with individuals to promote the policy on the management of substance misuse on NHS Tayside premises.”
The watchdog made a recommendation that NHS Tayside senior managers “should continue to explore ways to address the cannabis use in the hospital grounds to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for individuals in the ward”.
During the visit to Ward 1 – a mixed ward housing 22 people – mental health experts also looked at individuals’ care plans and records, the physical environment and restrictions in place at Carseview.
The commission says it received “positive feedback” from individuals who said thought the staff were “nice people, approachable and supportive during recovery”.
Other recommendations included improvements to clinical psychology input on the ward and the provision of additional therapeutic space.
A visit to the Learning Disability Assessment Unit at Carseview also led to several recommendations being put forward.
These included ensuring individuals’ bedrooms were regularly cleaned and maintained, documenting one-to-one discussions between individuals and staff and that relatives and carers should be involved with care planning.
The commission says the health board should respond within three months of the recommendations being published.
Keith Russell, nurse director, mental health and learning disabilities at NHS Tayside said: “We welcome the feedback shared by the Mental Welfare Commission following its visits to Ward 1 and the Learning Disability Assessment Unit at Carseview Centre.
“These reports highlight lots of positive areas of practice and recognise the commitment of our staff to providing excellent care for people in Tayside.
“It is very encouraging to hear first hand from patients that they feel supported by staff, and that care is person-centred and responsive to their needs.
“The reports provide important feedback on our services and we acknowledge the recommendations made in these reports.
“We are now developing action plans to address the recommendations.
“We work closely with Police Scotland and report all incidents of drug use on our premises.
“We also work with patients to help manage addiction and signpost them to further relevant support.”
Conversation