Commission publishes new local visit reports - 19 April 2023

The Mental Welfare Commission today publishes eight new reports on NHS hospital wards and other facilities in Scotland.

Every year the Mental Welfare Commission visits around 100 wards and units for people with mental ill health, learning disability, dementia or related conditions in Scotland, talking to patients, relatives and staff, and examining records. A report is published after each visit. The Commission expects a response to each of its recommendations within three months of the reports being published.

Today’s reports highlight positive findings, aspects of care and treatment where we think the service could do better, and making recommendations for change where necessary.

Claire Lamza, executive director (nursing), Mental Welfare Commission, said:

“One of the issues that stands out in today’s reports is the vital role that multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs) have on our hospital wards. 
“These meetings are the place where medical and nursing staff meet with other professionals – such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, psychologists and speech and language therapists – to agree the best approach to a person’s care. 
“They are all about care centred on the individual, and they work best when patients themselves, and their relatives, are invited to take part and contribute their views. 
“Another aspect of care I’d like to highlight is the focus on activities. These can be group or one to one activity sessions, and can involve art therapy, exercise, psychology, skills development or accessing the local community. 
“They are important because they help build confidence and can aid an individual in preparing to transition back to living at home. Where wards have dedicated occupational therapists or activity therapists, the impact is all the greater.”

The reports are for: