The Kingsway Care Centre in Dundee has been a cornerstone in providing essential mental health services to our elderly population. It stands as a beacon of hope and support for families and individuals grappling with the challenges of old age mental health issues, such as dementia, depression, and anxiety. The importance of these services cannot be overstated; they are not just beneficial but critical to maintaining the dignity, mental health, and overall well-being of our elderly community.

Recently, there have been discussions and alarming signals suggesting the  closure of the Kingsway Care Centre with services being moved to Forfar and Perth. This would be a devastating blow to our community and a neglectful oversight of the specific needs of our aging population in Dundee. It is imperative that our government and health authorities recognise the unique and increasing needs of the elderly and allocate sufficient resources to meet these needs effectively.  It is vital that all of the services remain on one site to ensure improved multidisciplinary team working and liaison and support for all.  All Dundee services for older people and Psychiatry of Old Age should stay within Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership. 

Statistics show an aging population trend in the UK, with predictions from Age UK indicating that one in four people will be aged over 65 by 2037. Furthermore, studies have shown that older adults tend to be more vulnerable to mental health issues, with up to 40% of older people in care homes affected by depression according to Mental Health Foundation. These figures highlight a growing demand for specialized psychiatric care tailored for the elderly.

Moving or splitting up services provided by the Kingsway Care Centre would not only affect the immediate patients but also place additional strain on families and carers already under pressure to support their loved ones without adequate professional support. 

We urge decision-makers at NHS Tayside to reconsider any plans to move  psychiatric services provided by the Kingsway Care Centre away from Dundee or split the services up. Instead, we need a commitment to invest in and expand these services, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the rising demand and provide comprehensive care to every elderly person who needs it.

Please sign this petition to protect the future of Dundee's psychiatry of old age services and ensure a secure, dignified, and supportive environment for our elderly residents in Dundee.