Meeting of the Parliament 27 November 2019
We have one year left in which to recruit. We have seen the number move at such a slow pace. I just want to make sure that the targets are met, so I am looking for a commitment from the Government. If the targets are not met, it will have a detrimental impact not only on vulnerable patients but on hard-working staff on overstretched wards. We cannot expect staff to be able to fully help their patients when they have far too much on their plate.
As I said, the Scottish Conservatives believe that a step change is required in mental health support. We can be a world leader if we take the right actions now rather than in five or 10 years’ time. In the past, we have called for colleges and universities to appoint mental health champions for students, for plans to have specialist mental health support in every GP practice or hub and for work to ensure that mental health support is provided in every A and E department on a 24/7 basis.
Research has shown that having a mental health problem can increase a person’s chance of feeling lonely. That is why, this year, the Scottish Conservatives launched our loneliness action plan, which includes an increased focus on youth loneliness, improvements to social prescribing, work on connecting communities and implementation of a national awareness campaign. Loneliness is a problem that can have significant side effects regardless of age. It can be linked to a lack of permanence or a lack of a sense of belonging. It affects young people, who often do not feel connected to their local community in this digital world, just as much as it affects the elderly. Particularly as we get close to Christmas, we must remember that many people simply do not have access to the company of others, or they feel isolated despite the many people around them.
Ultimately, the Scottish Conservatives believe that there must be parity of esteem between mental and physical health. That must not be just a phrase; it must be met with action that delivers for patients and staff.
A theme that will come up time and again in the debate is change. We need change in the waiting time targets and change in the workforce numbers. The Scottish Government’s task force is calling for transformational change. In the interests of too many Scots, and particularly our young people, that change must happen now.
I move amendment S5M-20035.2, to insert at end:
“; recognises the workforce crisis across mental health services and that children’s services are among the worst affected, and calls on the Scottish Government to address the concerning number of rejected referrals within the CAMHS service as a matter of urgency.”
15:05
Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.
- S5M-20035.2 Mental Health Motion