Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 23 January 2026
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that NHS Dumfries and Galloway has issued an apology, what its response is to reports of physical and sexual abuse at the Ladyfield psychiatric unit for children.
The Scottish Government unequivocally condemns the abuse experienced by children and young people at the Ladyfield psychiatric unit for children. We offer our full and unreserved apology and recognise the courage of survivors in coming forward to share their experiences. Ladyfield was examined during Phase 9 of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry’s public hearings, and the Inquiry’s findings are awaited. The Scottish Government continues to fully participate in the Inquiry process.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway no longer provides inpatient mental health care for children and young people; these services are now delivered at Skye House by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Across Scotland, assurance of CAMHS inpatient services has been strengthened through joint inspections/visits led independently by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Mental Welfare Commission. This is the first time these joint inspections have taken place, providing additional assurance on safety, quality, accountability, and improvement alongside the Mental Welfare Commission’s regular visits. The first report, on the Melville Unit in NHS Lothian, was published in October 2025, with reports on the remaining units to follow. A joint final report that will make future recommendations will be published in 2026.