A third of beds at a key mental health unit in Dundee cannot be used by vulnerable teenagers because of staff shortages.
In a devastating new report, the Mental Welfare Commission revealed those being treated at the purpose-built Dudhope House are worried about the low number of specialists.
NHS Tayside blamed the lack of workers on a nationwide shortage of specialists and said all bar one of the vacant positions had been filled since the unannounced inspection took place.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition said: “It is clearly disappointing to note that of the 12 beds in the unit, only eight are occupied due to staffing issues.”
Alex Cole-Hamilton, the Liberal Democrat MSP, called for an urgent statement at Holyrood on the issue.
He said: “This is a brand new facility that we were told would give children and young people the urgent treatment required. But this report revealed real issues in staffing that must be resolved.”
Ruth Masson, regional CAMHS network manager with NHS Tayside, said: “Between December and March the unit experienced a shortage of staff across a range of professions, however these are now appointed to with the exception of one consultant psychiatrist post.
“This is due to a national shortage of these specialist consultants, and as yet we have not managed to appoint to this post though all efforts to do so continue.”
Maureen Watt, the new mental health minister, said: “The CAMHS workforce … has increased in NHS Tayside by 23% between December 2014 and December 2015 – an increase of 20 whole time staff posts and the second highest rise in Scotland.”