Moray MSP Richard Lochhead meets NHS Grampian to discuss mental health services
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Richard Lochhead has spoken out about the need of continuity of mental health services in Moray.
The MSP met with Caroline Hiscox, the NHS Grampian's chief executive, and Simon Bokor-Ingram, the chief officer of Health and Social Care Moray to discuss the issue.
The meeting came in the wake of a number of constituents contacting the MSP to raise concerns about how the pandemic had affected services.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Lochhead said: "Covid has not only led to some changes in the way that mental health services are delivered but the pandemic is also having a direct impact on the population’s mental health.
"A number of constituents have been in contact with me in recent months highlighting the need for continuity of care and to be able to access ongoing support from nurses and professionals.
"The NHS had told me last month that the community mental health Team in Moray received around 10 to 12 referrals a week, which is similar to pre-Covid levels.
"At our follow up meeting we discussed the need to ensure that help is available for anyone who needs it and in good time.
"Continuity of care for existing patients, good communications and regular contact is really important.
"I’m pleased the NHS have agreed to investigate further any concerns that this is not happening as a result of changes to the service introduced due to the pandemic.
"In the meantime, to help people during Covid, there is now the NHS Grampian Psychological Resilience Hub.
"This is there to offer a short course of psychological first aid of between one and three sessions to help individuals manage feelings that have become difficult or are impacting upon them.
"We’ve agreed to meet again in the New Year to discuss further the delivery of mental health services in Moray and to explore what more may need to be done to ensure that support is there for existing patients as well as anyone affected by the pandemic."
For information on how to self-refer to the psychological resilience hub visit here.
