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Overhaul of mental health services
09/10/2007
Proposals for the the modernisation of mental health services across Dumfries and Galloway, which will see a shift from hospital to community based care, were approved today.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said:
"I am giving my approval to NHS Dumfries and Galloway to commission and deliver these proposals to replace existing mental health services in the region. These proposals follow extensive consultation by the Board and has support from mental health groups.
"I welcome NHS Dumfries and Galloway's commitment to work together with patients, carers, staff and other partners to make these proposals a reality and provide people in the region the high quality, safe, sustainable service which they have a right to expect."
The proposals include:
- A new acute inpatient facility in Dumfries
- Increased crisis assessment and treatment service across the region, providing seven day intervention and home treatment
- Increased rehabiliation capacity within locally based mental health teams to promote recovery and social inclusion
- Increased support of carers and access to psychological interventions and therapies
- Enhanced occupational, vocational and employment services
- Devlopment of an assertive outreach service for people with complex or challenging issues who require extra support or where they find difficulty in engaging with mainstream services