A new peer support network in Scotland will help in the recovery and rehabilitation of individuals who have been hospitalised with COVID-19.
The charity 'ICU Steps', supported by a £200,000 funding from the Scottish Government, will connect ICU survivors and their families across Scotland to facilitate patient-led support groups, and also offer an array of well-being resources to assist with recovery.
The Scottish Government entrusted Dr Nadine Cossette from the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh to assess the mental health needs of patients hospitalised with COVID-19. Dr Cossette's report suggests that one-third of patients admitted to hospital develop serious mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and cognitive problems.
Besides the expansion of peer support, a network of mental health clinicians and a personalised digital platform will also be developed.
Dr Cossette said: "Mental health care is crucially important to patients recovering from COVID-19. I am pleased the Scottish Government has recognised this and I look forward to ensuring patients and families across Scotland have access to good mental health care that is well integrated with physical health recovery services."
This article originally appeared on Univadis, part of the Medscape Professional Network.
