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Where do I go from here?

Introduction

This is a report from a series of visits to the majority of mental health admission wards for older people in Scotland in the summer of 2009. 

The findings presented in this report are based on meetings with 197 people who were receiving care in 62 wards in 43 different hospitals.  Some of the people we met had been admitted to hospital with a functional mental illness, for example a bi-polar disorder, depresssion, or schizophrenia.  Other people we met were admitted because of dementia.

We talked to patients, staff and carers during our visits. We also reviewed individual case notes to see what these told us about the person's care and plans that were being made for the future.

  • Our findings which are set out in this report cover three main areas:
  • Respect for the rights of the individual
  • Provision of therapeutic activity and respect for individuality
  • The physical environment for care

We have made seven key recommendations based on our findings. These should be considered alongside recommendations which are highlighted throughout the report.

  1. People's freedom should be respected as far as possible when they are in hospital and there must be clear and regularly reviewed procedures in place when limits are placed on freedom.
  2. People who lack capacity to consent to medical treatment should receive treatment that is in line with the law. Their capacity to consent should be regularly reviewed.
  3. Staff must be aware of and understand the provisions of Part 6 of the Adults with Incapacity Act Scotland 2000; in particular the need to consult with welfare guardians and welfare attorneys.
  4. The right of access to advocacy extends to everyone with a mental disorder, not just those subject to compulsory treatment under the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
  5. All wards must provide a safe, stimulating and enabling environment that respects individual privacy and dignity.
  6. Food and drink must be available and easily accessible. People shoudl recieve the level of assistance they need to make the most of the social and therapeutic opportunities that meatimes provide.
  7. Assessment wards must have the space, resources and sufficiently trained staff to provide a good range of activities. Activity planning should be tailed to individual needs and take into consideration personal preferences and changes in physical or mental health.

The left menu contains links to report chapters.

You can also download this report as a pdf document