Before the pandemic nursing staff shortages in mental health and learning disability services were significant and waiting times, particularly in CAMHS, were lengthy. There will undoubtedly be many psychological impacts of the pandemic and lockdown response on the people of Scotland. This will have short, medium and long term consequences for services as they work to meet the additional need.Theresa Fyffe, Director, RCN Scotland said: “Today, Scottish Government announced plans to move into phase 2 of their route map out of lockdown and as the healthcare system begins to open up, mental health and learning disability services must not be overlooked.
“Real investment in mental health services and wellbeing support for the public and for health and care staff is needed as the move out of lockdown progresses.
“Listening to people’s lived experience and putting in place the services to respond in the short, medium and long term will require careful planning and engagement with service users, NHS staff and third sector providers.”
An audience from across Scotland joined the Royal College of Nursing’s annual public debate online last night (Wednesday 18 June) to discuss ‘Mental Health and COVID-19 – how to support recovery?’.
Key themes included the challenges of caring for patients while wearing PPE, the need to include lived experience in decision making and planning, the long term impact of the lockdown on those with learning disabilities and existing mental health conditions and the wider mental wellbeing of the public (including children) and health and care staff.
Chaired by RCN Scotland Director Theresa Fyffe, the panel included Chair of the Mental Health Nursing Forum Scotland, David Thomson, Professor John Crichton, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, and Gemma Welsh a volunteer with SeeMe Scotland.
