Poor mental health a 'common phenomenon' in healthcare staff

A charity set up to help doctors and healthcare professionals with their mental health in Great Britain has extended its services to Northern Ireland.

Doctors In Distress was established by Amandip Sidhu in 2019, when his consultant cardiologist brother took his own life due to "overwhelming work pressure and burnout".

Mr Sidhu said he came to learn that this is "a common phenomenon" within healthcare professions.

Figures, published by the British Medical Association (BMA) NI show that 62% of doctors in Northern Ireland report "higher than normal levels fatigue or exhaustion".

Speaking to the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme on Wednesday, Dr Alan Stout from the BMA said the figures show that the problem is "more acute in Northern Ireland".

Mr Stout welcomed the charity's services to Northern Ireland, but said "we need to go further", and "a dedicated health service for doctors in Northern Ireland" is required.

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Source: BBC News, 30 April 2025