People with mental health illnesses in Inverclyde doubles

According to newly-released data from the 2022 census, a total of 10,312 residents in the area have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, compared with 5,205 back in 2011.

As Scotland marks World Mental Health Day today (October 10), the Scottish Government is facing renewed calls to reverse planned spending cuts and take direct action in Inverclyde.

And at the same time, concerns have been raised over the threat to local in-patient mental health services as Inverclyde's health and social care partnership (HSCP) looks at ways to cut spending by £5 million over the next two years.

Councillor Francesca Brennan, who chairs Inverclyde's social work and social care scrutiny panel and is a member of the area's alcohol and drugs partnership, said: "Those figures are in no way surprising but they are concerning. 

"I think we need an urgent intervention here in Inverclyde.

Councillor Francesca Brennan says urgent intervention is needed. (Image: George Munro) "We do have a great third sector, community organisations, and across the HSCP there is some great work.

"One of the biggest problems is when people are going for appointments for specialist services for psychiatric conditions they can't get one.

"We are also told we have problems recruiting and retaining staff within Inverclyde."

And Councillor Brennan says that recent public engagements on mental health services held locally left her concerned.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is looking at plans, highlighted in the Tele earlier this year, to reduce inpatient beds in Inverclyde Royal Hospital in favour of more community-based treatment.

Councillor Brennan said: "The funding for this has to be put back into outpatient services.

"There needs to be a real root and branch investigation in Inverclyde about what we do to tackle this, and what will make a difference."

In addition to the Inverclyde HSCP's attempts to cut £5m across its services over the next two years, the Scottish Government's mental health budget is set to be slashed by £18.8 million in 2024-25.

Councillor Robert Moran, who chairs the integrated joint board which oversees health and social care in the area, says that tackling Inverclyde's high levels of deprivation is crucial to improving people's mental health.

He said: "We are facing tough times ahead, there is no doubt about it. But something needs to be done to address deprivation and the problems in Inverclyde that are causing the rise.

Councillor Robert Moran says tackling deprivation is the first step to improving people's mental health in Inverclyde. (Image: George Munro) "There is more coming down the line that will impact mental health.  We need to give people hope; we can't continue to have people in their 20s who think the only life for them is one on benefits.

"We also see the impact mental health has with the recent figures on drug and alcohol deaths. We need the Scottish Government to take action and not to cut the budget."

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “These findings show that people feel more able to come forward and talk about their mental health than they were in 2011, which I hope is a welcome sign that stigma is decreasing.

“They also demonstrate why it is important that the right help and support is available for all those in need.

"We have ensured access to counselling services in all secondary schools as well as trusted online advice.”

Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS told the Tele that there was support for more community based mental health services.

A spokesman said: "NHS services are operated within a framework of national guidelines and as board, NHSGGC has engaged in public engagement in relation to our refreshed Mental Health Strategy and future service provision.

"Recent engagement sessions follow a survey earlier this year which found people want to see an increase in community-based mental health services and resources, and more support for people to self-manage their conditions. 

As part of its refreshed Mental Health Strategy for 2023-28, NHSGGC is looking at how it can deliver this, and how it currently provides inpatient mental health services.

We are reviewing our mental health inpatient provision as we continue on a journey to shift the balance of care by moving away – where appropriate – from institutional, hospital-led services to invest in those delivered locally in community-based settings."