Scotland’s integrated health and social care fails mental health patients, psychiatrists call for inquiry

A report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland says the country's integrated health and social‑care system is "poorly co‑ordinated" and is failing patients accessing mental‑health services. The college argues that fragmented decision‑making and unclear accountability across NHS boards, local councils and social‑work agencies have harmed patient safety, clinical leadership and financial transparency.

Psychiatrists, led by vice‑chair Dr Pavan Srireddy, are demanding an independent Scottish Parliament inquiry into the impact of integration on secondary and specialist mental‑health services, warning that vulnerable children are falling through the cracks. The report cites families affected by suicide and calls for psychiatrists to have a seat at the decision‑making table alongside policy and finance leaders.