Views sought on mental health policy

A DRIVE to put patients, families and carers at the centre of mental health policy in the Lothians has been launched.

The consultation scheme is looking to hear from local people as to what could improve in the field of psychiatric care and support.

It is a partnership between the Scottish Government and NHS Lothian, and will influence policy over the next four years. Among the issues likely to be discussed are an increase in patients being cared for either at home or in the community, rather than hospital, and progress across the country in reducing stigma.

Public health minister Michael Matheson, speaking on a visit to the Edinburgh Crisis Centre, said: “We now want to deliver increasingly joined-up and systematic mental health services, which enable people to keep well and take responsibility for their mental health.”