Since 2020 over 1500 people have been admitted via an emergency department across NHS Highland with a self-harm diagnosis, new statistics show.
For years the Scottish government have been working to reduce cases of self-harm across the country. In 2021 authority’s began funding the Self-Harm Network and in 2023 the Self Harm strategy action plan was formed. However, new findings from the Highland Liberal Democrats suggest more support is needed.
The party, using freedom of information, found over the last five years 1,547 people were admitted with a self-harm diagnosis after visiting an NHS Highland emergency department.
‘Such a high number of patients with a self-harm diagnosis is deeply worrying,’ David Green, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said. ‘We need greater action to help those struggling with their mental health; the alternative is unthinkable.’
To give further context into how bad the situation is, the latest Scottish Health Survey findings show 25% of 16-24-year-olds and 10% of adults said they have self-harmed.
‘Clearly not enough is being done. In schools alone, we know waits for mental health support are long and arduous despite the number of pupils identified with mental health problems sharply increasing,’ David continued.
‘I am pleased Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs persuaded the Scottish government to invest in GP so they can recruit more specialists in mental health. But we need to do more.
‘We need great focus on ramping up training, creating new dedicated specialist mental health beds for children and young people north of Dundee, and a clear ambition to succeed by appointing a dedicated Mental Health Minister.’
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