Scotland's mental wellbeing minister apologises to family of teenager who took his own life
Tom Arthur also said he would meet with Harris Macdonell's family and admitted the lack of age-appropriate beds for young people suffering from severe mental health issues was 'unacceptable.'
He was responding to calls from Harris' mother Jane, for 'real action' to address the lack of beds for children and young people.
She said: 'My message to them is that we don't want to hear any more platitudes about this. We want some real action and we want a strategy for how they are going to address this. I realise it is a complicated issue, but there have to be better options than what Harris experienced and that's the bottom line.'
Mr Arthur said: 'It shouldn't have happened and I am deeply sorry that it did happen. There is significant investment underway to expand the range of services that CAMHS can provide and that includes acute inpatient psychiatric support as well.'
He added: 'What happened to Harris was completely unacceptable. I think the people in Scotland can have confidence in our health and social care service, but when the service provided is not what's required and when there are failings, lessons must be learned and I am committed to making sure that we do learn those lessons.'
Harris Macdonell died on August 19th 2020, at the age of 19, near his home in Lilliesleaf in the Scottish Borders.
In 2018, aged 16, Harris spent nine nights in Huntlyburn, NHS Borders' adult psychiatric ward near Melrose, before a bed became available in a young persons unit in Edinburgh.
Last week a Fatal Accident Inquiry said that it was 'wholly inappropriate' for young people to be treated in adult wards.
It concluded Harris' death couldn't have been prevented.
Jane, who worked as a paediatric consultant for 30 years, is convinced her son's experience in an adult unit was responsible for him failing to talk with health professionals in the final months of his life.
She said: 'He was never the same boy again. He found it difficult to attend appointments, he gave very little away, he was guarded. I think his reluctance to engage was really fear to engage with them from that point onwards.'
'The absolute bottom line is that you have a young person in an adult ward, who's becoming distressed, that needs to be an emergency. That's not acceptable.'
Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives show that, since Harris was in Huntlyburn ward in 2018, there have been 57 admissions of children and young people.
Official figures show that across Scotland, in the year up to March 2024, 59 under-18s were treated in adult facilities.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We expect children and young people who need inpatient mental health care to be looked after in age-appropriate specialist facilities.
'On occasions where young people are placed within an adult ward this will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure that the young person is receiving the most appropriate treatment and care.'
NHS Borders said: 'The purpose of the Inquiry was to establish the circumstances of Harris' death and to consider what steps, if any, may be taken to prevent other deaths in similar circumstances. Our staff have engaged fully and openly with the Inquiry. We respect the Sheriff's determination that, in considering the evidence submitted, Harris' death could not have been predicted or prevented.'
Samaritans
Samaritans provides round-the-clock support for people when they need it most.
You can call them 24 hours a day on 116 123. They also have tips if you're concerned about someone you know.
Mind
Mind provides advice and support to help anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
You can call them Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm on 0300 123 3393. You can also text them on 86463.
Papyrus
An organisation aimed at helping people under the age of 35.
You can call them on 0800 068 4141.
You can call them on 0800 1111 at any time. They also have a 1-2-1 counsellor chat online.
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