Mum of tragic Dundee dad Dale urges others to ‘keep up the fight’
The mum of a young Dundee dad who took his own life after seeking treatment at the Carseview Centre has called on families in similar situations to “keep fighting”.
Dale Thomson, 28, was treated at the psychiatric unit between January 8 and 10 2015 after concerns were raised about his wellbeing and safety.
The Charleston man had been hearing voices, having paranoid ideas and had tried to take his life days earlier.
He became restless and left the unit on January 10. He was further assessed on January 23 but wasn’t detained and was found dead four days later by his mum Mandy McLaren.
Dale’s death led to a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) taking place — the findings of which are due to be released later this year.
Mandy thanked people for their support during the FAI and also thanked other families who have gone through a similar process to seek justice for their loved ones.
She said: “It has been really hard having to sit through everything and being in limbo for three years.
“You don’t know what to do in the situation. You don’t know how to get the information you need.
“Sitting through the inquiry and hearing them talk about Dale was hard.
“It was about making sure that the same thing doesn’t happen to anyone else — there are other people out there who can be helped because of this.”
Mandy called on people in similar situations to follow the process through to the end — despite the emotional impact it has had on her and the rest of Dale’s family.
She said: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported my family through the FAI.
“I would also like to say thank you to every family who has fought for change in the mental health system. I know there are families who have fought a lot longer than we have and are still fighting.”
The FAI — which started in May last year — concluded at Dundee Sheriff Court last week.
Submissions were made by lawyers representing Dale’s family, procurator fiscal Steven Quither, medical staff who treated him and the NHS Tayside board.
Link to Evening Telegraph article here