Staff mental health support faces axe after national funding cut

Mental health and wellbeing hubs for NHS and social care staff could be axed within months, as national funding for them is likely to be cut, HSJ has learned.

NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care are understood to be close to ending ring-fenced national funding for the 41 hubs, which were set up in February 2021, at the peak of acute covid pressures and concern about the impact on staff.

Sources told HSJ discussions were ongoing, but that it is likely integrated care systems would need to find funding themselves if they are to continue. Amid tight local finances, it is expected many will be wound down or closed.

This is despite problems with low staff morale, high absence rates and with large numbers of experienced staff thought to be leaving the service.

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Source: HSJ, 4 January 2022