Mental health programme praised
Helping people with severe and enduring mental health difficulties to live a longer and more fulfilling life has resulted in a practice excellence award for a team based at Livilands Mental Health Resource Centre in Stirling.
The award, from the Mental Health Nursing Forum Scotland, was for a programme which includes laying on classes in art, arranging sporting activities, and providing information on diet, smoking, and substance misuse.
Research shows that side effects from prescribed medication and negative symptoms of the illness can lead to increased risks of long-term health conditions that impact on life expectancy.
Because of this, people with severe and enduring mental health problems could have a life expectancy of 15-20 years less than the general population.
NHS FV senior charge nurse Heather Tainsh, explained:“This patient group often struggles to access and maintain contact with health and social activities and requires an assertive approach to manage these very important areas of their lives.”
Activities arranged over the past year have included garden parties, one for the 70th anniversary of the NHS, and a 10-mile walk which involved patients of varying ability.
A gardening group has also been established to grow vegetables and a young person group has been supported by staff members.