Covid has triggered mental health problems warn Blackpool medics

This includes those suffering trauma from having had the disease itself and others who are under pressure due to the impact of lockdown.

A meeting of Blackpool Council’s Scrutiny Leadership Board, held via Zoom, heard the increase was felt through people attending A&E, as well as through the mental health helpline and use of online support.

Dr Amanda Doyle, chief clinical officer for Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre CCG (clinical commissioning group), said: “There has been a really significant increase in people presenting with quite significant mental health issues.

“The pandemic, lockdown and the employment situation is putting immense strain on people’s mental health, but there are also mental health symptoms in people who have suffered from Covid as they recover from the trauma of the illness.”

Councillors also quizzed medics about what was being done to prepare for an expected second wave of Covid during the winter and to prevent the infection spreading within the hospital itself.

Kevin McGee, chief executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said plans were in place to ensure staff could cope, particularly if a further wave coincided with outbreaks of flu and pneumonia.

He added “rigorous” infection control procedures were in place, but the meeting also heard some testing for the virus had not been 100 per cent accurate.

This meant patients who showed symptoms of Covid, but had tested negative, were treated as if they had the disease with further testing carried out.

Councillors were told the death rate in Blackpool hospitals had been “significantly better” than many other hospitals which was down to the care given to patients.

Director of nursing Peter Murphy said: “People have delivered outstanding care to patients with Covid.

“They have worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible care is provided.”