Question reference: S5W-32632
- Asked by: Mary Fee, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 19 October 2020
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Current status: Answered by Clare Haughey on 10 November 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what (a) community and (b) primary care services are available to patients on waiting lists for adult psychological therapy services.
Answer
Patients on the waiting list have continued access to all NHS services including primary care services while they are waiting for psychological therapy. Patients waiting for Psychological Therapies may also already be receiving support from different parts of the mental health system such as care from community services.
The Scottish Government issued Health Boards and HSCPs with a set of Principles to manage mental health services during the pandemic. This document highlighted that new referrals and patients on the waiting list should be contacted by telephone, secure video link or letter to discuss their situation and offered information, advice and signposting to self-help and digital service options.