Following reporting by the BBC Scotland Disclosure programme about the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in-patient unit at Skye House, we would like to share the statement which was given to BBC Scotland:
Dr Scott Davidson, Medical Director, NHSGGC, said:
“We sincerely apologise to any patient at Skye House who has not received the level of care they expected.
“I also extend my deepest condolences to the family of Allana Blackhurst who was previously in our care.
“A number of the experiences described by patients were reported when they took place. We are grateful to our young patients for speaking up. Each one was fully investigated, action was taken at the time the issue was raised, and lessons learned to improve our care.
“Other issues have not been previously raised with us and we are actively engaging with the patients highlighted in the programme to discuss their experiences and provide answers to any additional questions they may have.
“In light of these experiences and of the accounts of other patients, a full review of the quality of care has been launched. We have also asked for an independent review of the unit.
“We strive to treat all our patients with respect, dignity and compassion, and to deliver safe and effective patient-centred care. However, we acknowledge some patient experiences have fallen below these standards, and we are very sorry for this.
“We continue to take any complaints extremely seriously, and we are committed to providing patient-centred care in line with national guidance and mental health legislation.
“I would encourage any family member or patient who might have any concerns or questions about the care provided to them at Skye House to contact us, we are keen to hear from you.”
ENDS
More information:
On treatments including safe-holds
Skye House serves some of our most vulnerable patients with highly complex needs, and our teams work in often difficult situations to provide the best possible care for this group. Treatment does include the use of safe-holding techniques.
These are exercised when deemed absolutely necessary for the safety of the young person or others and where no other alternative is available. There are young people where the level of safe-holds is more than others and this reflects the risk-taking behaviours occurring as a result of the clinical conditions the young people are experiencing.
In relation to sedation, a review of medication was carried out in 2023. This changed the way in which Skye House administered medication and introduced further checks and balances. There are also weekly pharmacy review meetings and reviews of trends in use of medication to then adapt practice.
In relation to seclusion, this is applied in line with a local protocol adapted from the Mental Welfare Commission Good Practice Guideline 2019. All least restrictive supports will be used before seclusion is considered.
Staffing levels
We acknowledge Skye House has faced staffing challenges in the past, as outlined in a 2022 Mental Welfare Commission report. During this time, agency and bank staff also worked in the unit to meet this demand. This was not ideal as they lacked experience in inpatient units and the complexities of the young people being cared for in Skye House.
We can confirm appropriate action has since been taken to address staffing levels and for the last 18 months the unit has seen improving staffing levels in line with demand.
Improving patient care and feedback
We work closely with patients and families to monitor feedback and support continuous improvement and person-centred care through initiatives like our weekly community group meeting with young people and staff, our dedicated weekly young people’s forum, and at minimum, weekly feedback with families to discuss care provision. Patient care plans are delivered in partnership to encourage shared decision making at all levels.
Scrutiny
Specialist Children’s Services are independently inspected by the Mental Welfare Commission and RCPsych Quality Network for inpatient CAMHS and any care recommendations are promptly implemented. Additional scrutiny takes place regularly within NHSGGC to evaluate patient care, complaints, and feedback. Within Skye House, there are a number of forums and groups dedicated to listening to our patients and providing feedback to ensure we’re able to look after individuals in partnership with them.