Secure unit consultation extended

Health chiefs in the west of Scotland have extended public consultation over the location for a new secure care centre for psychiatric patients.

The unit will take mentally disordered, but not dangerous offenders, from the State Hospital at Carstairs.

Opposition is strong over possible sites being looked at in Bothwell, Paisley and Uddingston.

Public meetings have had to be reorganised in larger venues, resulting in the consultation extension.

Under pressure

A public meeting last week in Bothwell attracted more than 400 people with campaigners against the unit claiming public documents had not been distributed widely enough.

Health chiefs want the 36-bed unit to be sited in either Lanarkshire or Argyll and Clyde at a cost of more than £5m.

The four west of Scotland health boards are involved in the search for a location for the new facility, which has been planned to take some of the pressure off Carstairs.

Initial consultation over the unit began in March 2002, with formal consultation starting in July 2003.

It had been due to finish on 31 October but has now been extended by one month until 28 November.

Sites currently under consultation include:

• Kirklands Hospital at Bothwell

• Dykebar Hospital at Paisley

• The Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Uddingston

Professor George Irving, chair of the West of Scotland Forensic Steering Group, said public feedback was important.

"So far we have received a large amount of very helpful feedback," he said.

"Nonetheless, there have been requests to expand some aspects of the consultation.

"We have taken account of these requests and have decided to extend the consultation period.

"We are confident this will ensure that the process is as inclusive as possible by giving people a further opportunity to express their views."