Mental health services are seeing an increase in “severe and complex illness,” with new figures revealing fewer people were referred during Covid lockdowns.

A freedom of information request submitted to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), which covers East Renfrewshire, confirms that the number of patients referred to mental health community teams or admitted to an inpatient ward dropped between 2019 and 2021.

In 2019, a total of 62,176 people across the NHSGGC area were advised they needed support by the community team or inpatient ward, compared to 49,324 in 2020.

The figure rose to 58,196 in 2021 and was at 29,087 by the end of April this year.  A spokesman for NHSGGC said that, with fewer people referred to a mental health service during the pandemic, the area is now seeing an increase in severity and complexity of illness.

He added: “Throughout the pandemic, we made significant adaptations to mental healthcare service delivery based on an increased need for healthcare generally as a result of Covid-19.

“Providing support to those who are experiencing issues with their mental health remains a priority and help is available to those in need.”

Anyone who is experiencing issues with their mental health is urged to seek support through their GP or by phoning NHS24 on 111.