Commission publishes new local visit reports - 21 June 2023
Publication date: 21 Jun, 2023
The Mental Welfare Commission today publishes ten new reports on NHS hospital wards and other facilities in Scotland.
Every year the Mental Welfare Commission visits around 100 wards and units for people with mental ill health, learning disability, dementia or related conditions in Scotland, talking to patients, relatives and staff, and examining records. A report is published after each visit. The Commission expects a response to each of its recommendations within three months of the reports being published.
Today’s reports highlight positive findings, aspects of care and treatment where we think the service could do better, and making recommendations for change where necessary.
Claire Lamza, executive director (nursing), Mental Welfare Commission, said:
“I have raised the issue of staffing problems in the past, but what’s striking about today’s reports is that every one of them has reference to staff shortages or vacancies.
“Today’s reports cover our visits to wards from Inverness to the Borders. We saw staff in action, caring for patients, and heard from patients about how good that care was. At the same time we were told of how difficult it is for depleted staff teams as they struggle to provide a full service when posts are either unfilled, or dependent on agency or bank staff.
“The Mental Welfare Commission has a unique role in that we can see and report on these issues across the country. We will continue to highlight these pressures on staff, with the aim of supporting ward teams and health boards as they endeavour to fill the gaps.”
The reports are for: