Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your awareness of how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected mental health service users and nurses

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To recognise the negative effects of the pandemic on nurses’ physical and mental well-being, and how these can be addressed

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To understand the role of mental health service providers and managers in supporting staff and ensuring high-quality care provision

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. This article examines the effects of the pandemic on mental health services, service users and healthcare staff, including nurses in the UK. It explores how the pandemic has led to increased demand for mental health services, alongside a concomitant increase in the severity of cases. The authors also consider how the effects of COVID-19 on healthcare staff and service users can be managed, for example by providing mental health services to front-line staff, and by implementing innovative solutions such as increased remote working and digital therapy.