Survey highlights smoking and weight issues among mental health and learning disability inpatients

The physical health of mental health and learning disability inpatients in Scotland has been revealed in a new government survey.

Of the 3,633 inpatients occupying psychiatric, addiction or learning disability beds on 31 March this year, 2,002 were classified as overweight.

Additionally, one third (35%) were smokers – compared with only 20% of the general population of Scotland.

Bed occupancy

The Inpatient Census 2016 by NHS Scotland boards and the Scottish Government also found bed occupancy had fallen from 3,909 in October 2014, when the last census was carried out. The latest bed occupancy of 3,633 met the best practice figure of 85% set by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Scottish Government minister for mental health Maureen Watt said the fall in the bed occupancy rate was a sign that more people were being treated in a community setting.

In terms of physical health, she pledged that weight loss, physical activity and smoking cessation would be in the Scottish Government’s new mental health strategy due to be published by the end of the year.

Further information

Mental Health & Learning Disability Inpatient Bed Census