Health

NHS staff ‘breaking down’ on coronavirus frontline, Labour MP and A&E doctor warns



NHS staff are “breaking down” on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus, a Labour MP and A&E doctor has warned.

Shadow mental health minister and A&E doctor Rosena Allin-Khan has written to the Health Secretary Matt Hancock to seek assurances that medics are getting the support they need.

She said their mental health must be made a priority now rather than when the crisis is over.

In the letter, Ms Allin-Khan said the fear of spreading the virus to patients and loved ones, a lack of PPE, an increased workload and witnessing more patients die were taking their toll.


Rosena Allin-Khan (Getty Images)

Dr Allin-Khan asked Mr Hancock to outline what provisions are in place to support the mental health of frontline staff, and called on the Government to publish real-time data on suicide numbers.

She said it was “clear” from conversations with colleagues and unions that there is a “rise in suicides, self-harm and suicidal ideation among frontline NHS and care staff”.

“It is vital that in order to tackle this, there is real-time data to understand where particular pinch points may be and where resources need to be directed,” she wrote.

Dr Allin-Khan also said the need for talking therapies is “now more important than ever”, but also urged the Government to ensure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) support is in place once the acute stage is over.

She wrote: “Increasingly, NHS staff are breaking down – I see it first-hand working shifts.

“From a fear of spreading the virus to patients and loved ones, a lack of PPE, an increased workload owing to the number of cases and staff absences, to being redeployed to ICUs and witnessing more patients die – staff are experiencing greater pressure, which is inevitably taking its toll on their mental health.

“At this time of crisis, staff mental health must be a priority now. It simply cannot be an afterthought once the acute stage of the crisis is over.”

Last month, the NHS launched a mental health hotline to offer support to hundreds of thousands of health workers on the frontline.

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Anyone needing help with the pressures they are facing will be able to call or text a free number staffed by more than 1,500 trained volunteers.

The volunteers, including from Hospice UK, the Samaritans and Shout, will listen to NHS staff – or those from social care – and give psychological support to those in need.

Prerana Issar, chief people officer for the NHS, said: “We need to do everything we can to support our incredible NHS people as they care for people through this global health emergency.

“That’s why we have developed a range of support for all NHS staff, from one-to-one mental health support to a sympathetic voice to confide in.”

Staff can text FRONTLINE to 85258 or call 0300 131 7000.



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