‘NHS workers need sensitive support’

Unite, which represents over 100,000 workers in the NHS, has today (March 24) called for maximum sensitivity and full consultation with unions to deal with the mental health challenges many health workers are facing as a result of the pandemic.

Unite made its comments following a report produced by the NHS Confederation, which represents NHS organisations, that called for ‘local leaders’ to ensure staff have ‘decompression time’ to deal with the effects of the pandemic.

“Unite’s research has revealed that workers across the whole of the NHS including porters, cleaners, paramedics, nurses and doctors are suffering from increased mental health issues including depression, anxiety and in extreme cases post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as a result of the pandemic,” commented Unite national officer Jackie Williams.

“All workers need the appropriate help and support to recover from their experiences and it is essential that employers treat these challenges with the maximum amount of sensitivity. Every worker has been affected differently.

“The NHS Confederation is recommending that ‘local leaders’ take the initiative on mental health – but it is absolutely critical to guarantee workers buy in that this is done in full consultation with the relevant NHS unions.”

By Barkley Sumner