COVID-19: Support for patients and carers

Information about how the COVID-19 pandemic affects you and your care.

Accessing healthcare services during COVID-19

While some services are running differently due to the impact of COVID-19, it's important you know that healthcare services are still running and available to you, if you need them. You should still:

  • seek urgent medical help if you think you have serious or life-threatening symptoms. Do this regardless of whether you think your symptoms are related to COVID-19 or not. (You can get help through your GP, NHS 111, 999 or your local A&E)
  • seek medical advice for any worrying symptoms, whether they are new or recurring
  • continue with any medical treatments you are having and attend any hospital or GP appointments as requested.

Mental health and COVID-19

If you or someone you know has a mental health condition, we have created these resources to support you during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Medication and COVID-19:
    Getting your prescription, taking your medication and attending medication appointments during the pandemic.
  • Remote consultations:
    Some mental health consultations might take place on the telephone or online during the pandemic. This information explains how these work.
  • Going to hospital for a physical illness or injury:
    What to do if you or someone you are caring for who has a mental health condition needs to go to hospital because of a physical illness or injury.
  • Eating disorders and COVID-19:
    Information for people experiencing an eating disorder during the pandemic, including how services may have changed and what you can expect from your care.
  • Before, during or after pregnancy:
    How the pandemic may affect women who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or have recently had a baby and are worried about their mental health.

Some of our existing mental health resources may be particularly relevant during the pandemic:

Support for people experiencing anxiety during the pandemic

RCPsych has created resources to help you if you, or someone you know, is experiencing increased anxiety as a result of the pandemic. Our resources include information for adults, young people and parents.

Support for people experiencing anxiety from COVID-19