David Strang begins review of NHS Tayside mental health changes
His report published last year highlighted a 'fear and blame' culture within services
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
Just over a year after a culture of 'fear and blame' was exposed in Tayside's mental health services, a review of what's changed is underway.
David Strang is now gathering evidence again.
His inquiry was sparked by the deaths of former Carseview patients.
Over the next few three months he'll be speaking to NHS Tayside and third sector groups to determine if services in the region have improved.
NHS Tayside says nearly two third of his 51 recommendations have been implemented, with the rest to be completed by July.
Susan Scott from grassroots group Plus Perth thinks the analysis will be extensive.
"He'll look for evidence, he'll not just take what people say. He'll do a forensic search if you will, that's what we want," she said.
"Whatever he comes out with, I and a lot of other people who've worked with David Strang over the last couple years will have every faith with whatever he comes out with because he produced the Trust and Respect report.
"I've got absolutely no worries about what will come, as it'll be the truth if David Strang's leading on it."
The damning report in February of last year took evidence from 1500 people, with some patients reporting they'd been told to 'get a grip' when asking for help.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said, “All recommendations in the Trust and Respect report were accepted by the Tayside NHS Board in February 2020, with 49 of the 51 being for NHS Tayside and Partners and two which will be delivered by Scottish Government.
“NHS Tayside made a clear commitment to engage with all stakeholders in helping shape the delivery of mental health services in response to Trust and Respect.
“There is an ongoing process to implement all 49 recommendations, with 29 complete and a July 2021 target for completion of the remaining recommendations, which are well under way.
“Some of the recommendations were short term and have now been addressed, such as improved levels of carer involvement in planning people’s care, strengthened support for junior doctors and other newly qualified practitioners, and a new student referral pathway.
“Other recommendations are medium to long-term, such as conducting a whole system review of mental health and wellbeing provision to set out a Change Programme for the redesign of mental health and wellbeing supports and services in Tayside.”