A total of 50 medical professionals on mental health left Shanghai for Wuhan on Friday.

Fifty medical professionals majoring in mental health left Shanghai for Wuhan on Friday to offer psychological services and mental crisis intervention for both patients and medical staff.

“With the development of the epidemic, some patients and frontline medical staff have said they are suffering from anxiety, mental pressure and other psychological problems. This team is to ensure the mental health of patients and medical staff through professional consultation and guidance,” said Dr Wang Zhen of Shanghai Mental Health Center and leader of the medical team. “There are 30 designated hospitals and makeshift hospitals in Wuhan. We will mainly serve in these medical facilities.”

He said Shanghai had sent two mental health professionals previously and this had a major effect in offering mental health services to frontline doctors and nurses with problems.

“The national health authority decided to dispatch this large mental health team this time,” he added.

A doctor bids farewell with his wife at the airport on Friday.