SCOTS recovering from coronavirus are to have access to a new peer support network aimed at improving their mental health.
The charity ICU Steps will connect those discharged from hospital with patient-led support groups around Scotland.
The project has been backed by nearly £200,000 in Scottish Government funding.
It follows a report by psychiatrist Dr Nadine Cossette showing up to a third of Covid-19 hospital patients developed serious mental health consequences, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive problems.
Dr Cossette said: “Mental healthcare 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.”
Mental health minister Clare Haughey said: “We know that treatment in intensive care and high dependency units can be particularly difficult for patients.
“This has been exacerbated in recent times by the fact that families have not been able to visit their loved ones.
“Most will go on to make a full recovery, but for others there is a higher risk of developing mental health issues.
“We welcome the report by Dr Nadine Cossette which sets out a number of actions to improve mental health and wellbeing of patients.
“The creation of a national peer support network, led by patients, will be a significant first step to ensuring that services supporting those who have been affected are well placed to respond.”
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