Scotland's leading psychiatrists have called for an urgent Scottish Parliament inquiry into the state of children's mental health services, warning that vulnerable young people are "falling through the cracks" due to a fragmented system.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland says the current structure is "failing patients," with responsibility split between the NHS, councils, schools and social work instead of a joined-up system. More than a decade after health and social care integration was implemented, the college demands an independent inquiry.
‘Split responsibility without clear accountability’
Vice-chair Dr Pavan Srireddy said: “There's a culture of split responsibility without clear accountability, and this is simply unacceptable for patients, families and staff. The College is calling for an independent inquiry by the Scottish Parliament into the effects of health and social care integration on secondary care and specialist mental health services.”
The college's findings echo concerns raised by the Daily Record's Save Young Lives campaign, which calls for urgent action to improve mental health support for young people.
Families speak out
Susan Hart, whose 16-year-old son Jordan died by suicide in 2020, said the report reflected what bereaved families have experienced. She said: “Parents who have suffered the loss of their child to suicide in this country are trying to shine a light to give hope and make positive changes but if the system is failing then we are just hitting our heads against a brick wall.” She added that services are still fragmented and that when Jordan died, “it was just the same line of nobody taking responsibility for mistakes.”
Political responses
Scottish Greens health spokeswoman Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, who has been through the CAMHS system herself, said any inquiry must listen directly to young people, families and professionals. Scottish Conservative health spokesman Miles Briggs called the report “a damning verdict” on the SNP's mental health system. Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Adam Harley MSP said the current system is “failing far too many.”
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd thanked the Royal College for the report and said the government has shown clear commitment to improving access to mental health services, which will continue as a priority in reforming Scotland's public services.
