One in three health workers suffering ‘burnout’ amid NHS staffing crisis

Almost one in three NHS employees have had to take time off work suffering poor mental health in the past year, new research suggests.

The Unison union said its survey of 12,000 health workers shows the impact of a staffing crisis, with many suffering “burnout”.

Panic attacks, high blood pressure, chest pains and headaches are among the physical signs of stress reported by nurses, porters, 999 call handlers and other NHS staff who completed the survey.

The news comes as more than half of the mental health hubs launched for NHS workers after the pandemic have closed since last year, according to the British Psychological Society.

Unison said workforce pressures are taking a huge toll as staff tackle a waiting list backlog, with many struggling to look after their wellbeing.

Of those who were off with mental health problems, one in five said they did not tell their employer the real cause of their absence, mainly because they did not feel their manager or employer would be supportive.

The union said staff feel undervalued and frustrated, with many quitting for less stressful jobs that pay more.

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Source: The Independent, 8 April 2024