Physical health

Physical health plays a really important role in aiding good mental health. Research shows that the long-term outcomes for people with mental health problems are improved if any physical health problems are also addressed.

People with serious mental illness can be more prone to some physical conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease is four times more likely
• Respiratory disease is four times more likely
• Diabetes is five times more common

Our physical health strategy

We have a physical health strategy to make sure that all patients in contact with mental health services also access relevant physical healthcare screening and services.

We want you to stay well, so our staff are prepared with the necessary tools, direction and support to accomplish this. Our physical health team provides expert advice, a growing bank of physical health resources, and guidance on a host of physical health related subjects, including:

• Long term conditions such as diabetes and COPD
• Cardiometabolic Syndrome
• Physical health screening, monitoring and interventions
• Health promotion
• Care plan guidance
• Training – both mandatory and non-mandatory

As part of service user care planning, we perform physiological observation including measurement of blood pressure, height, weight, and do various blood tests. If we find results are outside normal limits, we offer further actions and advice.

Physical Health Strategy 2019 - 2022.pdf [pdf] 6MB

Preventing disease

To help prevent disease, we provide education and information on:

• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Exercise
• Good nutrition
• Good dental care
• Improvement in general physical health
• Sexual health advice

We also work to prevent pressure ulcers, falls and venous thromboembolisms (VTE), which are blood clots.

For further information on any of these subjects, please talk to staff on our wards or in our departments, or contact the physical health team.