The Mental health impact of COVID-19: Salisbury District Hospital

Abstract

Data obtained included the total number of ED presentations, and the number presenting with deliberate self-harm, suicidal intent, lacerations, anxiety, depression, psychosis and overdose. Data collected was statistically analyzed using the two-proportion z-test. Data from ICU showed a 15.7% increase in specified mental health presentations from 2019 to 2020, compared to a 0.65% decrease from 2018 to 2019. The MHLT report revealed no statistical difference in the number of referrals made between 2019 and 2020. ED data showed mental health issues made up 2.06% of all presentations in 2020, a statistically significant increase compared to 1.53% in 2019 due to the large sample size. Despite fewer overall admissions to ICU and presentations to ED at Salisbury District Hospital in 2020, the percentage of these due to self-harm, overdose and suicidal attempts have increased compared to the same period in 2019 and 2018. Similar patterns are emerging in studies, both in the UK and internationally, and long-term consequences on the mental health of the population are to be expected.