“NHS workers work incredibly hard to look after us, our friends and families in their time of need. Around the clock staff ensure that we have the dedicated service that looks after our wellbeing, so it is only right they get the support they need in return.” Caroline Dinenage MP
Gosport MP has welcomed the news that the government is setting out new plans to provide better support and resources for NHS staff mental health and wellbeing.
The Government is acting on the Health Education England (HEE) report that was commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care last year. The new plans will follow recommendations made by HEE as part of the ‘workforce implementation plan.’ The report was drawn from staff whose wellbeing was affected by their job in the NHS as well as family members whose relatives had committed suicide.
Based on the recommendations by HEE the new support could include:
- post-incident support for NHS frontline staff, such as peer group support or a more formal psychological assessment
- a dedicated mental health support service giving 24 hour support and confidential advice
- fast-tracked mental health referrals for NHS employees if requested as a priority
- improved rest spaces for on-call staff and trainees during and after their shifts
- an ‘NHS workforce wellbeing guardian’ in every NHS organisation
On the proposed plans, Caroline commented:
“Regular visits to our local NHS surgeries and the Queen Alexander hospital, as both MP and a resident only shows first-hand how hard our dedicated NHS staff work. I was disappointed to hear from the report that less than a third of NHS Staff felt their organisation took position action towards their wellbeing. I am pleased to see that the Government is going to take action to protect and care for our amazing health and care staff.”