Independent Review into the Delivery of Forensic Mental Health Services: Scottish Government response

Theme One: Strategic Governance and Oversight - Recommendations 1 & 2

Recommendation 1. It is recommended that a new NHS Board should be created for forensic mental health services in Scotland.

The Scottish Government agrees that change is needed. The potential for negative impacts on patients as described by the Independent Review must be addressed with urgency to ensure our forensic mental health services are fit for purpose. We must do more collectively to support people we care for, including improving transitions that may be delayed by reasons of procedural blockages or service capacity. While the need for change is clear, we recognise that there remains a range of views on the best way to address these problems, including the possible creation of a new NHS Board for forensic mental health services in Scotland, as described by the Independent Review.

We agree with the Independent Review that all services must prioritise person-centred practices underpinned by a commitment to upholding human rights. With this as a starting point, the Scottish Government will work in collaboration with service providers and those with lived experience to explore a full range of options for governance, strategic change and increased partnership working across the forensic mental health landscape.

The Scottish Government will establish and lead a short life working group, bringing together our key stakeholders, to agree a clear plan for addressing the recommendations of the Independent Review that will deliver increased support for planning, collaboration and improvement of forensic mental health services in Scotland.

The Scottish Government emphasises that the group will not revisit the work of the Independent Review. On the contrary, recognising the extensive input to the Independent Review from those with lived experience, carers and professional groups, the short life working group will consider how best to bring forward the change that is needed. Change is essential, for the reasons clearly set out in the Independent Review final report. This short life group will be strictly time limited, with an expectation of its work concluding early in 2022.

Recommendation 2. The definition and purpose of 'forensic mental health services' should be reviewed by the Scottish Government at a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency level to help inform the establishment of the new Forensic Board.

The Scottish Government agrees that it is timely to review the definition of forensic mental health services. This will be part of the remit of the short life working group considering an improved governance, planning and collaboration approach for forensic mental health services in Scotland.