Written Question · S5W-23528 · Session 5
In light of 49% of people reportedly having poor mental health while dealing with cancer, how it plans to reduce this number.
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of 49% of people reportedly having poor mental health while dealing with cancer, how it plans to reduce this number.
The answer
Our vision for mental health is of a Scotland where people can get the right help at the right time, expect recovery and fully enjoy their rights, free from discrimination and stigma. This includes people who are experiencing physical health problems such as cancer and who may also experience poor mental health.
We recognise that timely access to psychological support is an important element of this. Our Mental Health Strategy is investing £150 million in services over five years, including £54 million to help NHS Boards improve their performance against waiting time standards for access to psychological therapies and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. This is being invested in workforce development, recruitment and retention, and service improvement support.
Our 2018-19 Programme for Government has mental health at its very heart. It contains a package of measures to support positive mental health and prevent ill health. These new actions build on the Mental Health Strategy and will be backed by a quarter of a billion pounds of additional investment.
At a local level, the Scottish Government expects NHS Boards to respond to the physical and mental health needs of their population. However, mental health is not simply a matter for the NHS – it is everyone’s business, and a cross-sectoral approach is the best way of improving general mental health and wellbeing, as well as of supporting those who need treatment or other help when experiencing mental health problems.
If anyone living in Scotland needs help for mental health issues – whatever the perceived cause
- they should in the first instance consult their local GP. GPs are well place to diagnose and treat mental health problems. Out of hours, support can be obtained from NHS 24 on 111, and from Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.
We recognise that timely access to psychological support is an important element of this. Our Mental Health Strategy is investing £150 million in services over five years, including £54 million to help NHS Boards improve their performance against waiting time standards for access to psychological therapies and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. This is being invested in workforce development, recruitment and retention, and service improvement support.
Our 2018-19 Programme for Government has mental health at its very heart. It contains a package of measures to support positive mental health and prevent ill health. These new actions build on the Mental Health Strategy and will be backed by a quarter of a billion pounds of additional investment.
At a local level, the Scottish Government expects NHS Boards to respond to the physical and mental health needs of their population. However, mental health is not simply a matter for the NHS – it is everyone’s business, and a cross-sectoral approach is the best way of improving general mental health and wellbeing, as well as of supporting those who need treatment or other help when experiencing mental health problems.
If anyone living in Scotland needs help for mental health issues – whatever the perceived cause
- they should in the first instance consult their local GP. GPs are well place to diagnose and treat mental health problems. Out of hours, support can be obtained from NHS 24 on 111, and from Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-23528 by reference.