The State Hospital

On the road again today, this time to the State Hospital at Carstairs, to see the amazing work that the committed staff of the hospital provide.

The State Hospital is one of four high secure hospitals in the UK. It is a national service for Scotland and Northern Ireland and one part of the pathway of care that should be available for those with secure care needs.

Approximately 700 staff are employed by the Board to provide high secure forensic mental health services for up to 140 patients.

The purpose is both to provide care and treatment of the highest standards and to ensure public safety.

The State Hospital has four strategic aims: improving physical health; effective use of resources; pathways for access, treatment and transfer; and improving the quality of patient care and drives forward the quality improvement agenda in line with the NHSScotland Healthcare Quality Strategy.

The main aim is to rehabilitate patients, ensuring safe transfer to appropriate lower levels of security.

The Hospital has been rebuilt to ensure patients are treated in accommodation appropriate to their needs and in an environment that supports rehabilitation.

Again, and I say this many times, but I am proud to work in the NHS, which I believe does its best to ensure that people come first.

On another note, I feel it is important to make mention that today is the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz - we must never forget the evil that people can do to people, and must fight antisemitism and inequality the world over.

Ok, after all this heavy important stuff, I hope you have all had a good day, and have a relaxing evening.