Chief Medical Officer Calls for Better Mental Health Support for Shielding Groups During Pandemic

Inquiry reveals the toll of long hours on medical staff and the need for enhanced support systems.

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Sir Gregor Smith, testified that shielding during the Covid-19 pandemic caused significant isolation and fear for vulnerable groups.
Sir Gregor emphasized the necessity for improved mental health support for those asked to shield in future health crises.
The inquiry highlighted the intense workload on medical teams, with some working up to 16-hour days, seven days a week.
To manage the increased demands, the number of deputy chief medical officers was expanded from one to three during the summer of 2020.
Sir Gregor also discussed difficult decisions, such as pausing cancer screenings, made to allocate resources to combat Covid-19, acknowledging the risks involved.