Finnish delegation impressed by mental health services

A delegation of health professionals and politicians from Finland spent a day touring mental health services offered by NHS Lanarkshire.

The 12 delegates visited a number of locations and teams in both North and South Lanarkshire to find out how in-patient and community care mental health services are delivered by North and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships and community partners.

Kevin O’Neill, NHS Lanarkshire public mental health and well-being development manager, said:“The Scottish Government was approached by the Finnish delegation from the Finnish hospital district of South Ostrobothnia to ask if the government would play host to their board.

“The Scottish Government recommended a visit to Lanarkshire to see first-hand how services are delivered and they were happy to spend a day in Lanarkshire following a very positive experience they had when they visited in 2013.

“We were more than happy to facilitate this and are delighted that the positive work our mental health teams are doing here in Lanarkshire is generating so much interest outwith Scotland and is being so well recognised and received.”

“The delegates were clearly impressed by the quality and range of mental health services that we, health and social care and third sector partners provide.

“They were also impressed by the strength of integrated partnership working, the passion of staff and the person centred care.”

To find out about the supports and help available in Lanarkshire visit: www.elament.org.uk