NHS Tayside must “respond positively” to criticisms of mental health services in the region, the health board’s chief executive has said.
An independent inquiry into mental health provision in Tayside is currently under way following concerns about the treatment experiences by patients at the Carseview Centre at Ninewells Hospital.
The review was ordered following a campaign by relatives of men who took their own lives after being turned away from the centre.
An interim report published in May revealed a damning list of failings, including illegal drugs being taken on wards and concerns over patient restraints.
The 22-page report also revealed some patients with violent tendencies had been allowed to discharge themselves from the unit, while the unit often could not cope with the demands being placed upon it.
NHS Tayside chief executive Grant Archibald said the health board must ensure its work is “effective”.
He said: “Mental health has clearly been a major issue on the agenda.
“Mental health is a huge and growing issue in our communities. It is very complex and very challenging.
“It is a key priority of mine and since I’ve got here I’ve worked with a very dedicated team to try to improve the service, taking on board recommendations from previous reports, understanding our response to the BBC documentary (on Carseview) and taking on board what David Strang said in his interim report.”
Mr Archibald added: “It’s not about how hard we are trying but how effective we are being.
“We need to respond positively when we are given criticism or recommendations
but also understanding mental health, similar to drugs, is a complex environment.
“Mental health is a product of people’s lived lives and social experiences. It’s really important we engage with all the partner organisations and the third sector to understand what is causing the problems in mental health and what we can do about that and how we can more effectively treat people.”
Mr Archibald also praised initiatives such as “green health prescriptions” that can help people suffering from mental health issues.
Trials are currently underway in parts of Dundee that allow GPs to prescribe “time in nature” for patients, if suitable.
