BPS gives evidence to the Senedd’s Health Committee on the impact of Covid-19

Dr Nam highlighted the main issues that the BPS raised in its written response to the committee inquiry earlier in the year, including the disproportionate impact on older adult population, younger people, the BAME community and other high risks groups. 

As part of its inquiry, the committee will be examining the response by the Welsh Government and relevant public bodies over the coming months, as well as considering the impact on staff, patients and others receiving care or treatment in both clinical settings and the community. 

Dr Nam said:

"Working with older adults, I've seen first-hand the impact that this pandemic has had on this particular group - and the ones who unfortunately have the least access to psychological therapies.

It is undoubtedly the case that life may not quite be the same ever again for many in our society. 
 
Many of those who will have experienced trauma as a result of the outbreak, and those with ongoing mental health conditions, will not have been able to access the relevant services and this will have significant implications for their ongoing health and wellbeing.

The Welsh Government must take action to ensure that lessons have been learned and applied as we face the very real prospect of a second wave."

Joshua Payne, Chair of BPS' Welsh Branch said:

"We always welcome the opportunity to share our expertise with elected representatives and policy makers, and we'll look forward to continuing with this dialogue with the Senedd's Health Committee over the coming months as the country starts to think about recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic."