Carstairs ‘Must do More’ to Combat Drink and Drugs

Managers at Scotland’s state hospital have been told they must continue to improve services for patients with drink and drug problems. The hospital at Carstairs, which provides psychiatric care for dangerous offenders, has already cut its waiting times for alcohol and drugs programmes. Patients now face an average three-month wait for help compared to six months previously.

But Lewis Macdonald, the deputy health minister, said the hospital must cut that further. Mr Macdonald was speaking ahead of the State Hospital Board’s annual review, taking place today.

Carstairs is the only hospital in Scotland to provide around-the-clock psychiatric care under high-security conditions for up to 211 patients with dangerous, violent or criminal tendencies caused by mental health problems.

Mr Macdonald highlighted work being done to encourage patients to exercise more and eat more healthily.

With 90 per cent of patients being smokers, the board has set up a special scheme to help them quit.

“Adopting a healthier lifestyle can also have added benefits to mental health and well-being, so it’s important for these patients to make healthier choices,” said Mr Macdonald.