Upskilling staff to deliver CBT will have a 'profound impact’ on waiting times

Manx Care employees going through accreditation in response to recruitment issues

Upskilling nine health care professionals on the Isle of Man will have a ‘profound’ impact on mental health waiting lists.

That’s according to Manx Care which has trained members of its existing team in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

The health body says it’s one way of overcoming ‘extremely difficult’ recruitment challenges – in particular with trying to secure accredited therapists.

CBT is a talking therapy which can help people manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave - it’s commonly used to treat depression and anxiety.

The initiative is being led by the Integrated Mental Health Service and will be used for adults and children.

General manager Ross Bailey, and associate director of nursing Mick Fleming, told Manx Radio they’re confident it will make a difference: