Mental health HQ plans unveiled

Patients' cases will be re-examined by watchdogs

Plans to open the headquarters of a mental health watchdog in South Lanarkshire with the creation of 20 jobs have been announced.

The final location of the offices has not been decided yet.

The Mental Health Tribunal was set up under new laws which came into effect last year.

It will make and review decisions on the care of people with a mental disorder - a role previously taken by sheriff courts.

Details of the scheme were unveiled by Health MInister Malcolm Chisholm.

Controversy

Mr Chisholm said: "This is a fundamental change and provides for a more inclusive process for the patients, carers and the health professionals involved, with hearings in the hospital where the person is a patient, or as near as possible to the patients' homes."

The minister added that the choice of South Lanarkshire was further evidence of the Scottish Executive's "determination" to spread the benefit of public sector employment around the country.

Mr Chisholm's shake-up of mental health laws sparked controversy when he outlined his proposals in September 2002.

Campaigners warned that new powers, including compulsory treatment in the community, might infringe on civil liberties.