Our annual report 2023-24 – more visits in a time when the gap between demand and supply in Scotland’s mental health and learning disability services is growing

Mental Welfare Commission annual report 2023-24 – more visits in a time when the gap between demand and supply in Scotland’s mental health and learning disability services is growing

Published today, the Mental Welfare Commission’s annual report for 2023-24 shows the wide range of work the organisation completed last year, including visits to 149 wards and units around the country, meeting individuals, families, and staff. 

The Commission published reports on what happens when people with mental ill health or learning disability are placed outwith their NHS health board area for care and treatment; how community compulsory treatment orders (CCTOs) are working in Scotland, 20 years after they were introduced; and a range of investigations reports were also published looking into the care and treatment received by individuals relying on mental health support services.

Reflecting on the ongoing pressures faced by mental health and learning disability services, Sandy Riddell, chair of the Mental Welfare Commission, said:

“On a growing number of visits we reported endemic staff shortages that we could see were having an impact on care and treatment. We found more wards running at full capacity, while promised upgrades to outdated environments have been stalled. The impact of poor conditions on vulnerable people in need of care, and on staff who must work there, can be considerable.

"This annual report gives just a snapshot of our work, and the work of the services we connect with. With all of the challenges, it is important to state that an overriding message we hear time and again is that the care staff provide is really appreciated by those they care for.”

Julie Paterson, chief executive, Mental Welfare Commission, spoke about the need for services to listen to family members. She said: 

“We found that the way services relate to family members of people with mental ill health can be critical but is sometimes overlooked.

“We hear about staff missing opportunities to listen to family members because they are concerned not to breach patient confidentiality. We want everyone – health and care professionals and the general public – to know that listening to family members should be part of the process. Where we have seen this happening, really good outcomes have been achieved.”