Inadequate mental health care

Originally published in Evening Times, 14/5/2009

THERE needs to be a better understanding of the care mental health sufferers receive and how resources can be better used to support them.

That's the finding of an Audit Scotland report, an overview of mental health services, which says up to 850,000 people experience mental health problems at any one time in Scotland. Some, in particular, are at higher risk, such as those living in deprived areas.

The NHS spends about £930 million a year on mental health services, but according to the report this is likely to be an under-estimate.

The wider costs to society of mental health problems, such as people not being able to work, brings the total estimated cost to over £8 billion a year.

Mental health care has changed in the past 10 years, with more people receiving treatment in the community and a greater focus on helping people to recover from mental health problems.

The report shows there are long waits to access some services, particularly for younger and older people, and there is a lack of out-of-hours and crisis services.

Deputy auditor general for Scotland, Caroline Gardner, said: "Mental health problems are significant issues for Scotland. About one in six of the population is experiencing these problems at any given time. It is important that comprehensive services are provided across Scotland that are easy to access and meet people's needs.

"There have been programmes to reduce the stigma of mental health but more needs to be done."