Two patients in a Scots psychiatric unit have been trapped there for two years awaiting transfer to a specialist ward for proper treatment.
A Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland visit to the Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU) at Glasgow’s Gartnavel Royal Hospital in April discovered the two patients.
The situation was revealed in a report from the organisation, issued last night, stated: “Both have been assessed as requiring transfer to a low secure forensic unit and are awaiting availability of a bed.
“Staff told us that this situation is a cause of frustration to the patients and for the clinical team caring for them.”
The report said they believe the patients require “more specialist forensic input than they can receive in IPCU”.
It said this has meant “their recovery is delayed”.
And it revealed: “We met with one of these individuals who clearly expressed their concerns about their circumstances and will follow this up directly with the consultant psychiatrist.
“We are already in discussion with senior managers about this situation and wish to be informed about developments.”
The lack of available beds follows our story yesterday (Wed) in which respected GP Dr John Budd said the lack of psychiatric beds was “scandalous”.
Last night Labour’s health spokesman Monica Lennon said the report was “further alarming evidence that Scotland’s mental health services are not coping”.
She said: “It’s unacceptable that anyone would be held in a setting that is delaying their recovery.
“SNP Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey has been in her post for over a year now and must explain why services are still struggling on her watch.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman stated: “No patient should be waiting this long to be transferred to the correct care environment.
“We have been clear that we expect NHS Greater Glasgow to take necessary steps to address the pressures it faces on low secure forensic beds.”
A spokeswoman from the health board said overall they viewed the report into the ward as “extremely positive” with patients “speaking favourably about their care on the ward and staff being observed as being caring and knowledgeable about individual patients”.
But she said: “We recognise that some patients are waiting longer periods for transfer to low secure care than would be desirable and, as such, there is currently a review of low secure provision within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.”
