06 February 2009
By David Scott
An NHS chief has been criticised by politicians after warning that 'humanity is on a path towards unprecedented catastrophe' and that the economic crisis could have a devastating effect on social cohesion and crime.
In a report for the Scottish Government, Dr Laurence Gruer, NHS Scotland's director of public health science, claimed the recession could lead to a rise in crime and mental health problems. 'This upheaval can be expected to create changes in socioeconomic conditions in Scotland of a magnitude not seen since the early 1980s,' he said.
Scottish Conservative health spokeswoman Mary Scanlon said prophesying 'doom and gloom' was not a constructive way forward, neither did it help people cope with current problems. 'It is for public authorities to give the best advice and support rather than adding to anxiety and depression,' she said.
Labour health spokesman Richard Simpson said something so full of doom and gloom at a time of uncertainty created 'a sense of despair and is unnecessary and inappropriate'.
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