Mid-Scotland and Fife MSPs, Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith, have raised serious concerns over the provision of mental health services in NHS Tayside following news of the paring back of services at the Murray Royal in Perth.
As a result of doctor shortages, General Adult Psychiatry inpatient services in Angus and out-of-hours crisis response in Perth and Kinross will be moved to Carseview in Dundee. At the Murray Royal the out-of-hours assessments are being transferred, between 3am and 9am on weekdays and weekends, to Carseview in Dundee.
NHS Tayside are short of nearly 13 whole-time equivalent junior doctors which is making it impossible to offer services at three sites. The health board have blamed a national shortage of psychiatrists for exacerbating issues.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“It is very concerning to hear about the loss of this valuable service from the Murray Royal in Perth to Carseview in Dundee.
“Clearly there continues to be severe pressures on the NHS across Scotland, particularly in mental health services and this is something that the SNP Government must address quickly.”
Commenting Liz Smith MSP said:
“These changes will inevitably worry patients and families across Perth and Kinross and are symptomatic of a wider problem of recruitment within our NHS. Clearly the Scottish Government is failing to address these challenges and I would call on them to listen to our universities who have previously flagged up issues relating to junior doctor training.
“Mental health services are facing enormous pressures and if we are to meet these challenges head on then units like the Murray Royal will need to be equipped with staff to meet demand.
“NHS Tayside have made this decision due to a culmination of factors and I would encourage the Scottish Government to help them navigate these challenges.”