Message from the Chair

Hello from the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC), and welcome to the autumn edition of our e-newsletter.

COVID-19 pandemic
The past few months have seen many of us dealing with unprecedented stress and uncertainty, as we do our best to adjust to new ways of living. As individuals, we tend to worry and become fearful during periods of crisis. We worry about the health and wellbeing of our loved ones and constantly think how the impact of COVID-19 will affect us.

As GPs, we do our best to appear resilient and confident in our skills to address the concerns of our patients. We continue to offer re-assurance and hope that we will come out of this stronger and healthier, even though this proves a challenge for many.

The pandemic’s impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the community requires particular attention, and should be considered during all patient interactions. More than ever, GPs need to provide holistic healthcare and not differentiate between people’s physical and mental health. We must ensure we look after not only our own health and safety, but also those with whom we work. Practice staff, including nurses and receptionists, must feel comfortable in their abilities to deal with the challenges of this pandemic.

Additional information on the impact of COVID-19, including resources on self-care for GPs, is available in this e-newsletter.

Review of templates for mental health treatment plans
The GPMHSC has begun work towards the review of the templates used for GP mental health treatment plans. The templates were piloted in 2013–14 and are designed to provide prompts in the assessment, treatment, planning and review of patients experiencing symptoms of a mental illness. We will keep you updated on the review process but, in the meantime, you can access the templates by visiting our website.
   
Assoc Prof Morton Rawlin
Chair, GPMHSC