MORE than 4,000 patients have been sent for mental health treatment outside of their health board area in the past five years, according to latest figures.
The figures show that in 2013/14, 799 patients were discharged from a psychiatric hospital in a different area from where they live. This compares with 793 in 2012/13 and 855 the year before that.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats, who obtained the figures through parliamentary questions, have warned that mental health units across Scotland are struggling to cope with demand.
The party's health spokesman Jim Hume MSP said: "We know that sending patients out of area can isolate them from their support networks, including friends, families and their community care team.
"These figures are disappointing though sadly come as no surprise given that there is only one child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) bed for the whole north of Scotland. Waiting times for key mental health treatments for both adults and young people are still being missed.
"With mental health problems affecting one in four people in Scotland, it is clear that local health boards do not have the resources needed to cope with demand. Too many mental health care units are creaking at the seams."
A Scottish Government spokesman said Scotland was the first country in the UK to have a mental health waiting times target.
He said: "Mental health services are an absolute priority of this Government. People experiencing mental health problems are amongst some of the most vulnerable in our country and it's vital that the health service is properly equipped to give them the support and treatment they need.
"We have been investing heavily for a number of years, and waiting times have come down significantly, despite a rise in the number of people seeking help."
He added that there were often good reasons for patients to travel beyond their board areas to regional centres or another hospitals.
"Treatment is delivered at the most appropriate facility where the best care can be provided, regardless of boundaries," he said.
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