Paula Sheils

Paula Sheils trained as a mental health nurse in Glasgow in the early 1990's, working across many areas within statutory mental health service in both hospital and community settings. As the health and social care integration agenda within Scotland was being developed, Paula held several managerial positions within the third sector. This provided her with a wider understanding of the challenges faced in delivering commissioned health and social care services, not only in Scotland, but across all of the devolved nations.

Paula has been providing professional leadership for mental health, learning disabilities and adult protection within NHS 24 for over three years. She is also responsible for the clinical operational management of NHS 24 Living Life. Since the publication of the Scottish Government Mental Health Strategy in March 2017, Paula has been leading the development of an enhanced urgent care pathway for those suffering from mental ill-health/mental distress. This has led to significant engagement and collaboration with colleagues from within NHS 24 as well as other statutory and third sector services.