The Scottish Government published its new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy today.
Commenting on the new Strategy, Dr Linda Findlay, chair of RCPsych in Scotland, said: “While the publication of this Strategy is very welcome, the devil is in the detail and the Scottish Government must explain how they’re going to deliver and fund this plan.
“It’s vital that people receive support for their mental wellbeing, but this shouldn’t be at the expense of those with severe mental illness.
“The Scottish Government agreed to commit 10% of the total NHS spend to mental health in this parliamentary term.
“They also promised to increase the direct budget to mental health by 25%, but this budget has remained static.
“It’s clear we are not there yet. We would urge ministers to explain when these important spending commitments will be met – for the sake of our patients.”
Find out more about the College's policy and public affairs work in Scotland.
For further information, please contact:
- Email: scotland@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Contact Name: RCPsych in Scotland
- Twitter: @rcpsychscot