An £8 million package has been announced to support the wellbeing of health and social care staff across Scotland.

This has been introduced to help support several immediate recovery actions and lead to the development of a National Wellbeing programme.

The priority areas for action will include the ongoing development of the National Wellbeing Hub, National Wellbeing Helpline, and psychological interventions and therapies for staff. Coaching for Wellbeing, digital apps and the Workforce Specialist Service for regulated staff will also be provided, along with time and training for staff to support each other as teams. More practical support for staff like rest spaces will also be provided.

£2 million of support will be targeted to social care and primary care in recognition of the specific needs of staff working in those services responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Christina McKelvie, SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse said:

“Staff in health and social care have responded to the pandemic with determination and making sacrifices, often working in unfamiliar settings, learning new skills and undertaking new roles and responsibilities. We owe them all a great deal of gratitude for their continued hard work, commitment, and professionalism.

“The wellbeing of staff remains a priority of the Scottish Government which will influence the way that our health and social services recover. We are committed to supporting our NHS and social care staff now and in the future.

“We all know that the pandemic has affected staff in many ways and this £8 million package of support will help meet the basic practical and emotional needs which workers tell us are right for them for people who live in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, as well as Scotland.”