Responses Received So Far From
Member's Parliament
Member Parliament
Thanks for sharing with us such a deep
and distressing issue. It would seem, from your email, your son is not from our constituency however XXXXX has worked tirelessly with mental health issues and was very interested in what you had to say. The mental health treatment pathways are complex and xxxxx is very supportive of anyone who wishes to contribute to the betterment of mental health care. Therefor, please do keep our office abreast of your campaign, I note that you have social media sites pending so when these are up and running xxxxx, or I, will be happy to share posts which are appropriate. I am so sorry that you’ve had to embark on this advocacy, there are no words to express my admiration for the way you’re taking such a difficult moment in your life and making change for others. Please do not hesitate to contact me if our office at any time.
Member Parliament
Thank you for your email below
in relation to the Coming Home Implementation Report. Let me start by saying how sorry I am to hear about the situation involving Gavin and I completely understand how distressing this must be for your family. As you will be aware, the Coming Home Implementation Report introduces measures to reduce delayed discharge and provide care closer to home for people with learning disabilities and complex needs. It is completely unacceptable that people are spending time in hospitals or other care settings when they are medically fit for discharge. I fully agree with your concerns that for every day spent unnecessarily in hospital, a person loses part of their connection with their community, their family, and their friends. I am supportive of this hugely important issue.
Member Parliament
The Scottish Government agrees
that it is completely unacceptable that people are spending time in hospitals or other care settings when this is not necessary. For every day spent unnecessarily in hospital, a person loses part of their connection with their community, their family, and their friends. We are not protecting the rights of people with complex needs if they remain in hospital when they should be living at home, or in a homely environment with the right support.
Member Parliament
Can I ask if you have petitioned
the UK Government to highlight the issues your stepson, family and others have/are experiencing? If not, maybe consider starting one at petition.parliament.uk/petitions/new and then sharing it across all social media platforms. I will look into if we have similar situations across xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, and I wish you well with your pledge to increase awareness
Member Parliament
I entirely agree
that inpatient mental healthcare should only be used in the most significant circumstances and should - therefore - be subject to extensive consultation and regular review if it is deemed necessary to take place. Indeed, as you mention, a reduction in visiting hours is likely extremely distressing to patients and in all likelihood exacerbates the conditions which place them there. Thank you again for contacting me and I hope this of help in clarifying my position on the matter.
Member Parliament
The way Parliament is set up,
it is very much led by MPs representing their constituents. Although I cannot raise this specific matter on your behalf, I will be vigilant and if I become aware of any opportunity to raise awareness, then I will.
Member Parliament
It is completely unacceptable
that people are spending time in hospitals or other care settings when they are medically fit for discharge. For every day spent unnecessarily in hospital, a person loses part of their connection with their community, their friends and their family. We are not protecting the rights of people with learning disabilities and complex needs if they remain in hospital when they should be living at home, or in a homely environment with the right support.
Member Parliament
I understand that Enable Scotland's
"My Own Front Door" campaign was instrumental in ensuring that the Scottish Government committed to end the misuse of detainment powers under the Mental Health Act by March 2024. I am happy to scrutinise the Scottish Government's progress in delivering this commitment.
Member Parliament
I wish you well
in your continued support for Gavin and sincerely hope that you manage to achieve the outcome that suits all the family, particularly Gavin
Member Parliament
On a personal level,
I would like to pass on my best wishes in your effort to raise the awareness of this issue and of your campaign, Families And Friends Against Detainment In Scottish Hospitals.
Member Parliament
I hope this reply
is helpful and wish you well with progressing your efforts to raise awareness of these issues.
Member Parliament
Rest assured
we will continue to raise the impact that this neglect is having on vulnerable patients.
Member Parliament
XXXXX Will be speaking
will be speaking about this when Mental Health is debated at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon (about 4pm).
Member Parliament
I wish you and your stepson
well and a successful launch for your website as I feel it will be hugely beneficial for anyone seeking advice or just to know that they are not alone in dealing with a similar issue.
Member Parliament
Having said this,
you are right, the best place for Gavin is to be home and the lack of resources and support required should not prevent him from returning home.
Member Parliament
I am grateful for you
taking the time to share your experience with me, and that of your stepson Gavin. The detention of mental health patients in hospitals - some for years at a time - is not acceptable or appropriate and I am supportive of your calls to end this practice.
Member Parliament
This sounds like a
difficult situation and I would hope it can be properly investigated and improvements made
Member Parliament
I will bear in mind
the forthcoming website that aims to raise awareness regarding such issues and endeavour to speak with my colleagues (as appropriate) going forward on this matter generally.
Member Parliament
Thank you for your email
and raising this important issue with me. I have some cases within my Region and the Act needs looked at urgently. I will continue to raise it in Parliament.
Member Parliament
xxxxxx is grateful for
you bringing this matter to her attention and she appreciates the efforts you are going to to raise the awareness of this issue more widely.
Member Parliament
It is our understanding
that xxxxxx Council for example have sought to ensure a return of as many patients as is possible to appropriate facilities or care environments within the local area and that this has benefits for all concerned. It may be something that your local authority could consider as an issue to explore.