Report: Review of mental health services in Scotland, 2012-2015
By Reports & Resources,

The Mental Health Foundation has this week published a review of Mental Health Services in Scotland in partnership with Voices of Experience (Vox) and supported by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

Commissioned by the Scottish Government as Commitment One of the Mental Health Strategy for Scotland 2012 – 2015, the report reflects on the successes and challenges of the current mental health system in Scotland. Collating the experiences of people using services, families and carers, practitioners, commissioners and stakeholders, it makes a number of practical recommendations to build on progress already made.
 
The overall findings in the report indicate that the general direction of mental health services over the last ten years has been positive, with an appreciation that there has been change for the better in a wide range of areas, including advocacy services, dementia diagnosis and crisis services.
 
The report findings also highlight areas where there has been positive progress but where there are opportunities for further development, including;
  • A systematic approach to ensuring that prevention informs the way that we design and fund health systems, services and public mental health
  • Building upon the successes of The Mental Health (Care and Treatment)(Scotland) Act 2003 to promote advance statements among people who use services, carers and staff
  • Ensuring that the increased uptake of advocacy in the last decade is accessible for marginalised communities and across different regions.
Lee Knifton, Head of Mental Health Foundation for Scotland said: “The real strength of this review is that it is based on the views of those using and delivering mental health services in Scotland. Much of the feedback on progress made in recent years is encouraging. However, there is of course more that could be done and we hope that this review acts as catalyst for the further development of mental health services ensuring, as far as it is possible, good mental health for all.”