Health staff at mental health ‘brink’

Health staff are suffering severe mental health problems because of the Covid pandemic, public services union UNISON has said.

It pointed to a report, Worry in Mind, that shows almost half (48%) of health employees, including nurses, porters, paramedics, healthcare assistants and A&E staff across the UK, “have struggled to cope”.

The survey, based on responses from more than 14,000 staff, was carried out from 9-30 0ctober 2020.

Fear of getting sick (60%) with Covid was the top reason given for a deterioration in their state of mind, followed by being unable to see friends and family (55%), and increased workload (49%).

Half of respondents (51%) had sought mental health support, with the majority of these turning to friends and family (77%), and colleagues (58%). A significant number had used wellbeing apps (27%) or professional counselling services (20%).Covid has also added to workload, according to 57% of respondents.

Typical comments from staff also related to the physical strain of wearing PPE constantly, the burden of coping with deaths of patients, sleepless nights, and fears over infecting loved ones.

UNISON says the findings raise serious concerns that health service employees are being pushed to the brink. It is calling on the government to extend its offer of free access to wellbeing apps for all health staff. It also says that free 24-hour helplines are urgently needed, while a significant pay rise is necessary to boost morale.

https://www.unison.org.uk/news/press-release/2021/01/covid-pressures-triggering-mental-health-issues-among-health-staff