THE NHS is struggling to cope with demand for mental health services, the Scottish Liberal Democrats have claimed, following research showing large numbers of patients are being treated outwith their own health board area.
Scots Lib Dem health spokesman Jim Hume called on the Scottish Government to conduct a review of mental health services and warned extra funding may have to be provided.
He spoke out after publishing research showing 1500 patients have been sent for treatment outwith their own health board area over the past three years.
A survey of health boards, conducted by the Scottish Lib Dems, suggested child and adolescent mental health services were under particular pressure.
Over the past three years, spending on all mental health services in Scotland has risen from £643million to £655million.
Mr Hume said: "Whilst there will always be times when patients need to be sent to specialist clinics outside of their health board for treatment, it is clear that mental health units across the country are struggling to cope with demand on their services.
"With mental health problems affecting one in four people in Scotland, SNP ministers must take a long hard look at the adequacy of mental health care provision in Scotland.
"I support moves towards more patients being treated in their own settings but that principle must be matched with resources."
Mr Hume also said treatment time targets were being missed.
Last month (Dec) the Scottish Government introduced a new target to treat 90 per cent of people waiting for psychological therapies within 18 weeks.
It replaced the previous 26 week target.
Mr Hume said early indications suggested 81 per cent of patients were treated within the new 18 week deadline.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Most patients who are not treated in their own NHS Board area require care in specialist regional or national units where expertise is concentrated to ensure the highest quality of care and treatment.
"This includes some treatment for eating disorders, a specialist mother and baby unit, child and adolescent inpatient care, or medium and high secure hospital treatment.
"When a NHS Board is not able to access a local bed we would expect boards to ensure that suitable facilities are found as close to the patients home as is practicable."
She said staff specialising in child and adolescent mental health would be recruited as a result of an additional £15million funding package over the next three years.
ends
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