BAPRAS calls for more psychological support for Plastic Surgery patients

24th July 2015

 

In a recent survey of our members, we found that Plastic Surgeons frequently see patients that require psychological support, but greater investment is needed to ensure there is enough psychological provision working with Plastic Surgery teams. 

The survey was conducted amongst more than 100 full members of BAPRAS and showed that patients require support through the range of Plastic Surgery sub specialties – from breast cancer reconstruction, through to burns treatments and cleft surgery.

The vast majority of members surveyed, 93%, said that having access to specialist psychological assessment and treatment is important for their patient group, with two thirds (64%) seeing patients in need of psychological support every week.

More than a quarter of members surveyed (27%) feel that waiting times for patients to access psychological support are unacceptable. And three quarters (73%) feel more funding is needed to improve access to specialist psychological assessment and treatment for the group of patients they work with.

Our President, Nigel Mercer, commented that the last Government prioritised talking therapies and we wish to raise awareness of the vital support psychological services provide to patients undergoing Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in the hope that these services will receive greater funding to help reduce significant distress to patients.”

Read our full press release

 

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