Family of Dundee man David Ramsay welcomes Scottish Government apology

The Mental Health Minister offered her condolences to people who've been let down by NHS Tayside's mental health services

Gillian Murray (left) and David Ramsay (right)
Author: Callum ClarkPublished 12th Mar 2020

The family of a Dundee man who took his own life just days after being turned away by Carseview is accepting an apology from the Scottish Government.

David Ramsey's body was found in Templeton Woods in 2016.

Yesterday the Mental Health Minister said sorry to families who were let down by NHS Tayside.

David's niece Gillian Murray is welcoming the apology.

"I'm happy that finally the disaster that was happening here with regards to mental health services is being acknowledged.

"Changes are hopefully imminent. It (The apology) was slightly late, but better late than never.

"It shouldn't have taken for me and others to continually fight to get here."

Dundee mental health charity Feeling Strong has also backed the step from Scotland's Mental Health Minister.

Project Director Brook Marshall said: "We welcome the Mental Health Minister's apology on behalf of the Scottish Government.

"We think it's very important that people are taking accountability for how bad things have gotten.

"However there seems to be a lot of focus on moving forward from this very difficult, challenging position for the betterment of outcomes for patients."

Last month a damning independent report called for a complete overhaul of NHS Tayside's mental health services.

The health board will deliver an action plan in response to the findings this summer.

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