Written Question · S4W-16998 · Session 4
Following publication of the Stroke Association report, Feeling Overwhelmed, what its position is on (a) the prioritisation of improved emo…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, following publication of the Stroke Association report, Feeling Overwhelmed, what its position is on (a) the prioritisation of improved emotional and psychological support for people affected by stroke in the next Scottish Stroke Action Plan, (b) the needs of stroke survivors and their unpaid carers to be highlighted in future Scottish mental health policy and guidance, (c) improving understanding of the emotional and mental health impact of stroke among health and social care providers and how difficulties can be prevented or resolved, (d) improving information provision about emotional and mental health to people affected by stroke, including sources of local support and (e) improving community-based support for stroke survivors with emotional and mental health difficulties, through primary care, social care providers and voluntary groups.
The answer
Our Better Heart Disease and Stroke Action Plan, backed by over £1m in Scottish Government funding recognises that services should focus on empowering and supporting people with stroke through the process of recovery. This includes meeting emotional and psychological needs.
In August 2012, the Scottish Government published the Mental Health Strategy (2012-15). It sets out a commitment to work with the Royal College of GPs and other partners to increase the number of people with long-term conditions who are also experiencing depression and anxiety who are receiving appropriate care and treatment for their mental illness.
NHS Education for Scotland (NES) are supporting work to provide learning resources for staff working with patients with physical health problems, particularly long term conditions, which will help them understand the link between physical and emotional issues and deliver more holistic and effective care.
For all people with mental health problems, including those with stroke, we are committed to delivering faster access to psychological therapies. This is underpinned by the HEAT target which will ensure access to such therapies within 18 weeks by December 2014.
We have supported the development of an online educational tool “Stroke Training and Awareness Resources”. This includes a specific module which aims to provide Health and Social Care Staff with the skills and knowledge to meet the basic emotional needs of individuals following stroke. This includes:
Explaining the reasons why an individual may be emotionally distressed following a stroke;
Describing the effects of being emotionally distressed following stroke;
Identifying strategies which may be used to assist an individual experiencing emotional problems following stroke.
In August 2012, the Scottish Government published the Mental Health Strategy (2012-15). It sets out a commitment to work with the Royal College of GPs and other partners to increase the number of people with long-term conditions who are also experiencing depression and anxiety who are receiving appropriate care and treatment for their mental illness.
NHS Education for Scotland (NES) are supporting work to provide learning resources for staff working with patients with physical health problems, particularly long term conditions, which will help them understand the link between physical and emotional issues and deliver more holistic and effective care.
For all people with mental health problems, including those with stroke, we are committed to delivering faster access to psychological therapies. This is underpinned by the HEAT target which will ensure access to such therapies within 18 weeks by December 2014.
We have supported the development of an online educational tool “Stroke Training and Awareness Resources”. This includes a specific module which aims to provide Health and Social Care Staff with the skills and knowledge to meet the basic emotional needs of individuals following stroke. This includes:
Explaining the reasons why an individual may be emotionally distressed following a stroke;
Describing the effects of being emotionally distressed following stroke;
Identifying strategies which may be used to assist an individual experiencing emotional problems following stroke.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-16998 by reference.