Press Release News Statement Issued on: 14 August 2000 For immediate release Issued by: Susan Kirkwood, Chairman, National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland) Missing the Spot Money for new equipment in Scotland's mental hospitals does not address the problem of under-funding of care budgets for those in the community. We welcome additional money to improve the facilities available in hospital for those with mental illness. Susan Kirkwood, Chairman, National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland) said, "We are concerned that this welcome support to hospital care, is not matched by support to those in the community. "Community resources have been decreasing each year. Those recovering in the community are being supported in facilities which become increasingly shabby and where fewer activities can be supported with each year that the available money becomes less. "We will continue to press for increased specific grants to support those in the community. Ultimately many of these services will have to close if more funds are not found. " (ends) For further information please email: [email protected]. Background: On 11 August 2000, the Health Minister, Susan Deacon, announced that Health Boards would be receiving £5 million pounds towards improving hospital facilities for mental health.