Question reference: S6W-21310
- Asked by: Paul O'Kane, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 13 September 2023
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 28 September 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the recommendation in Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland report, Out of NHS area placements, that there should be “standards from referral to transfer with involvement of those receiving the care and treatment, their carers/family and those most important to them (as appropriate) that outline the key steps required for an inclusive, supported approach to planning an out of area placement”.
Answer
We have developed core standards for mental health services with a focus on adult secondary services. These include transitions and outline an expectation that people will receive help as close as possible to home. The core standards also aim to reduce unnecessary delays in transitions and improve information sharing, including with carers and their families. The standards emphasise the importance of the continuity of care and the need for follow-up support after discharge. We will publish these standards in Autumn 2023 and we will work with our partners in the Standards Implementation Advisory Group to implement these.
The Scottish Government is committed to delivering the Coming Home Implementation Report recommendations to reduce inappropriate out-of-area placements and delayed discharges experienced by people with learning disabilities and complex care needs.
This includes working with the local bodies that have statutory responsibility for providing and commissioning services to ensure that the appropriate planning is in place for people who are receiving care and treatment in an out-of-area placement.