Carer’s Report for Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland Executive Committee Meeting
28 November 2013
Glasgow Carers Forum Mental Health Update
The introduction of the TRIANGLE of CARE (TOC) in G.C.C.H.B.is moving forward. We have set up a steering group involving practitioners from the Psychiatric Hospitals in Glasgow, Glasgow Association for Mental Health and Forum members. Group is chaired by a senior manager from GCCHB.
We have had two city wide training sessions with nursing staff, Behavioural Family Therapy people, our development staff and forum members. The debate was good and productive: staff concerns, patient privacy and family involvement. The concept of educating families is beginning to resonate.
The somewhat toxic debate around L.D. Resource Centre closures continues. The Scottish Health Minister has joined the discussions with a proposal to fund aspects of the Public Social Partnership (PSP) suggested by Glasgow City Council with the proviso that the closures be part of the PSP remit. The City Council has withdrawn carers support funding from the Charlie Reid Centre in Glasgow which is managed by Support in Mind, formally the National Schizophrenic Fellowship. The Council has also advised that block funding for the centre will be withdrawn, replaced by Personalisation (SDS) assessment, service users, who, if successful, in obtaining a budget can then purchase support from the Centre. The M.H. Carers Forum will be meeting to discuss this.
The Scottish Government announced at the Carers Parliament (1st.October 2013) its intention to bring forward legislation on Carers in Scotland. Consultation will begin at year end. It will be important to try to achieve effective input from M.H. Carers.
Our interactive theatre project is up and running and going well. I fear my own participation will be limited to checking coats at any future events.
Alan Gow
Glasgow Carers Forum M.H.
Tayside Forensic Voices Update
Forensic Carers Strategy
A survey has been conducted by researchers from the University of Central Lancaster into the experiences (good and bad) of forensic carers. The results will be used to refine the draft Forensic Carers Strategy which will then be put out for consultation before the final document is issued by The Forensic Network.
Rohallion SCC Perth
The third (rehabilitation) ward of the Medium Secure Unit is being phased in with full operation expected early in the New Year.
Our carers group has participated in an option appraisal commissioned by the North of Scotland Secure Care project into the operation of the Medium Secure Unit and specifically the issue of potential spare bed capacity.
We have held a series of classes for new entrant nurses to highlight the benefits to staff of having an active carers group.
National Forensic Carers Forum
The next meeting of the Forum on 13th November will be assessing the points raised by carers at the recent Forensic Carers Conference and considering action to be taken; discussion will also take place concerning the recent carers survey.
Ivan Carnegie
Tayside Forensic Voices
1