Nearly half of health employers (48%) have struggled to cope with the impact of the pandemic on their mental health, according to a survey published today (January 28) by UNISON.
The report ‘Worry in Mind’ is based on responses from more than 14,000 employees in hospitals, GP practices and other locations such as community clinics between October 9 and October 30, 2020. 88% of respondents were employed by the NHS and 28% were in administration, estates and facilities roles. It finds that health staff across the UK are suffering severe mental health problems and sleepless nights.
Some staff have experienced suicidal thoughts, suffered PTSD symptoms and panic attacks, felt helpless when supporting patients – or quit their jobs altogether. Others say their mental health has been affected by having to leave rented accommodation because landlords are worried about Covid, or fears they will infect their families, according to the findings.
The results show half (51%) have sought mental health support, with the majority of these turning to friends and family (77%), and colleagues (58%). A significant number have used wellbeing apps (27%) or professional counselling services (20%).
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%).
Other factors that have contributed to the mental health of NHS health worsening include increased contact with very unwell patients (33%), financial worries (23%), difficulty taking annual leave (17%), issues with employers over sick pay (8%), and having to live away from home to protect their family (8%).
Typical comments from staff also related to the physical strain of wearing protective safety kit constantly such as thirst and tiredness, the burden of coping with deaths of patients, sleepless nights and fears over infecting loved ones.
Covid has also added to the workload with more than half (57%) of staff saying the amount they are having to do has risen during the pandemic.
More than a quarter (26%) also said the pandemic has placed them or their family in financial difficulties.
Being under economic strain negatively affected the mental health of more than four in five (81%) staff who responded to the question. Of these, more than half (52%) gave a range of reasons such as their partner being furloughed or childcare costs increasing. The rest blamed job loss in their household (28%), the fact they only received statutory sick pay (12%), reduced hours (12%), bereavement (9%), and redundancy (1%).
Action is required
The findings raise serious concerns that health service employees are being pushed to the brink, says UNISON.
UNISON is calling on the government to expand the package of mental health support available for staff both now and long term. This includes extending free access to wellbeing apps at least until the end of this year (this scheme is set to expire at the end of March), 24-hour telephone counselling, fast-track specialist treatment for those in crisis, and a significant pay rise to boost morale.
Commenting on the findings, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton says: “The pressure on staff of keeping us safe during Covid has been relentless. Many are exhausted with no let-up in sight given the increase in hospital admissions and backlog of cancelled treatments. Others are traumatised from seeing patients die before their time – no one can comprehend the toll this has taken.
“Pay rates must rise soon or staff could leave. The government needs to step in to help the NHS hold on to people. That means supporting their mental health as well as their financial wellbeing. To help avoid an exodus, ministers should extend psychological support and guarantee a decent pay increase.”
The March/April issue of HEFMA Pulse magazine will have a special feature focusing on mental health. Is your Trust taking any special steps to support staff with their mental health through this pandemic? If so, we would like to hear from you. Please get in touch through the ‘Contact us’ page on this website, or comment on this thread.
