Local Community

The State Hospital and the Local Community

The State Hospital is a national service for Scotland and Northern Ireland, providing high secure care and treatment for people with complex mental health needs.

Our work is guided by two key aims:

• Care and Treatment
• Public Safety

Unlike most NHS organisations, members of the public do not access our services directly. Patients are admitted to the State Hospital under mental health legislation and receive care in a secure environment.

Although we do not provide services to the public, we recognise the importance of keeping our local community and other stakeholders informed about our work. We are committed to being open, transparent and accessible, and to helping people understand the role of the State Hospital and forensic mental health services.

Community Engagement 

We believe that involving people and listening to different viewpoints helps us provide better services and make better decisions.

There are a number of ways you can find out more about the State Hospital or engage with us, including:

• Visiting our website.
• Following our social media channels.
• Attending public Board meetings and Annual Review meetings.
• Reading our published reports and performance information.
• Attending presentations delivered by State Hospital staff.

We are committed to ensuring our services are safe, effective, person-centred and provide value for money.

Community Talks and Presentations

The Communications Team can arrange presentations for local community groups, organisations and interested stakeholders.

Presentations provide an opportunity to learn more about:

• Who we are
• What we do
• How the State Hospital operates
• Public safety arrangements
• The role of forensic mental health services

To arrange a talk or presentation, please email tsh.comms@nhs.scot.

Public Safety

Public safety is a core part of the State Hospital’s role.

Security arrangements are carefully integrated into the care and treatment provided to patients. We continually review our policies, procedures, and physical security measures to ensure they remain effective and meet the highest standards.

We work closely with partner organisations, including Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and the Scottish Ambulance Service to ensure appropriate plans are in place for a range of situations.

In the Event of an Incident

Incidents that may affect the local community are extremely rare. However, plans are in place to ensure information can be shared quickly if required.

Should an incident occur, the State Hospital will provide regular updates through local media and other communication channels.

An incident information line may also be activated to provide recorded updates.

Please do not contact the main hospital switchboard during a major incident unless necessary, as telephone lines may be required for emergency response activity.

The State Hopital Siren

The State Hospital siren is used to alert and warn the local community and staff if a patient is unaccounted for.

Further information is available in:

General Queries or Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns relating to security or public safety, please contact the State Hospital on:

01555 840293

and ask to speak to a Security Manager.