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The Scottish Government is to review the delivery of mental health services for some of the country’s most dangerous patients – sparking fears it could lead to the state hospital closing.

Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey is setting up a group to carry out the review which could see some patients moved to medium secure units.

The move comes after whistleblowers at Carstairs contacted the Record to highlight concerns, including dangers staff face from violent patients.

Management at the hospital were ordered by Government to get their house in order following the string of allegations.

We revealed last month that the cost of keeping a patient at Carstairs, run by its own health board, has doubled in the past 10 years.

Patient numbers have halved while the £30million annual budget has been maintained.

Haughey said changes in the way forensic mental health services are delivered means a review is timely.

But Carstairs staff said: “It might be the start of shutting down the hospital because it’s been rumoured for years they want to close it down, especially with the fall in numbers.”

Dr John Crichton, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said with the number of patients in high security falling over recent years, a review of how patient needs were met at the most appropriate level of security was welcomed.

The state hospital said they welcomed the review and added: “The Board also welcomes a focus on improving mental health services in prisons, while ensuring that those being released from prison have access to continuing mental health support in the community.”