NHS staff to get safe spaces and 24 hour helpline to avoid burnout

Sarah Knapton
A new report from the HEE found some staff had committed suicide because they felt they had nowhere to turn  - PA
A new report from the HEE found some staff had committed suicide because they felt they had nowhere to turn - PA

Doctors and nurses will be given safe-spaces and a 24 hour helpline to help them deal with traumatic incidents at work, Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, has pledged.

Frontline NHS staff will also be offered psychological assessments and fast-track mental health referrals to prevent them from burning out from the stress of long hours, high pressure, shiftwork and difficult patients.

The new initiatives were recommended by Health Education England (HEE) who were asked to report on the current situation and found that some staff had committed suicide after feeling they had nowhere to turn.

It is hoped the move will cut sickness absence rates, boost staff performance and stop workers leaving the NHS due to stress.

Mr Hancock said: “I love the NHS and have enormous respect and admiration for the dedicated staff who make our health service what it is today.

“Working under pressure, NHS staff put themselves in some of the most challenging situations imaginable as part of their unwavering commitment to caring for us all.  So they deserve unwavering support from us all.

“NHS staff have been there for me, and they have been there for my family – so I’m determined to make sure we are there for them too.”

The new measures come after the most recent NHS survey showed that fewer than one third of staff felt that the health service was doing enough to promote health and wellbeing among workers.

Under the new plans a Wellbeing Guardian will also be appointed in every NHS organisation and staff will see improved and secure rest spaces.

Professor Ian Cumming, Chief Executive of Health Education England, said: “More support is needed for those who care and better care is needed for those studying to become healthcare professionals.

“The mental wellbeing of staff contributes positively to patient care so we must get it right.”

Commenting on the new measures, Paul Jenkins, chair of the Mental Health Network, said: “This report presents a clear case for change which will require a significant shift in behaviour and culture across the whole of the NHS and social care.

But this is essential if the NHS is to achieve the Long Term Plan’s goal of being the best place to work.

“The NHS cannot implement improvements for trainees alone - it’s great to see the mention of universities in this report as partnership working with them will be crucial to success.”