Concerns over changes to mental health service 13/9/11
A carers ‘ forum has raised concerns that Western Isles NHS proposes to axe its hospital inpatient mental health service forcing some patients to travel to the mainland for help.
The issue was raised at the AGM of the Western Isles Carers Users and Supporters Network (WICUSN).
The health board wants to scrap the “outdated” present service and stop admitting mental health patients to the local hospital because, says the body, it creates a “culture of dependency.”
MSP Alasdair Allan, agreed to raise the issue with the health authority.
He said: “I was very pleased to be at the Carers’ AGM once again, and to see that the organisation is still fighting hard for the rights of those who care for a relative or friend in their own homes.
“Specifically, I will now be keeping in touch with the health board about the review they are conducting of psychiatric services, as the meeting clearly wants a clearer picture of what these might look like in future, and in particular the future of the Clisham ward.
He highlighted: “Another issue I will seek more information from the Comhairle on is the Mobile Overnight Support Scheme (MOSS) under which support is provided to frail people over night in their own homes.
“ This is a service which has only ever helped some areas of the islands, and I have now written to the Comhairle for an indication of when they will be in a position to clarify what can be done to meet this need throughout the islands.”
Mr Allan said it was also important to build a new hospital for Barra.