MORE than a dozen grieving relatives will back calls for a full public inquiry into mental health services at NHS Tayside.
A Scottish Labour motion calling for a comprehensive probe into failings at the troubled health board is expected to receive cross-party support today.
And around 15 relatives of those who killed themselves after seeking help from the NHS are expected to be watching from the public gallery.
It comes after NHS Tayside announced an independent review into Dundee’s Carseview psychiatric unit in a bid to address the concerns of families.
But Gillian Murray, 28, whose uncle David Ramsay took his life in 2016 after he was twice rejected for treatment at Carseview, insisted she had “absolutely no faith” in the probe.
She has reiterated calls for a full public inquiry after her uncle’s case was raised during First Minister’s Questions last week.
In an amendment to Labour’s motion, SNP ministers have promised to convert NHS Tayside’s review into a public inquiry if it is hindered by non-cooperation or a lack of independence.
But Scottish Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar called on MSPs to “listen to the families of Tayside”.
He said: “The tragic case of David Ramsay was not an isolated incident. There are clear problems with mental health services across the region. It is not confined to one unit in one hospital.
“The exceptional campaigning of the families of Dundee has pushed this to the top of the agenda in Scotland. It is now for MSPs to recognise this and show they are listening.
“These families deserve answers. Only a full, independent public inquiry can deliver that. These problems must not be swept under the carpet because it is politically embarrassing or damaging for local politicians.”
Scottish Labour’s motion will be backed by the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, with the Greens insisting they are “sympathetic” but have yet to form a position.
Last month, The Herald revealed NHS Tayside dipped into its charity fund and transferred millions of pounds to pay for general running costs.
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