19 August 2009
The Mental Health Foundation has welcomed the publication of a report that shows that NHS staff experience more work-related illnesses due to stress, depression and anxiety than workers in other sectors.
The NHS Health and Wellbeing Review looks at the health and wellbeing of over 1 million NHS staff. It expresses particular concern at the high levels of psychological and mental health problems among NHS staff. It calls for early intervention to help staff who may be feeling stressed and makes the economic case for providing better support for them at work.
Staff must be supported
Simon Lawton Smith, Head of Policy for the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“We cannot expect the NHS to protect and promote the mental health of the nation effectively while they are experiencing such high levels of mental health problems within their own workforce. NHS managers need to focus on creating a supportive environment for all staff, and take their mental wellbeing much more seriously.”
Implications for all walks of life
“Although this report is about the NHS, its message that prevention of ill-health is better than cure has a far wider significance. Much more investment should be made in all walks of life to keep people mentally and physically well. Promoting good mental health has a positive impact on people’s physical health, workplace productivity and the general wellbeing of our society.”
All workplaces need to listen to messages
Mr Lawton Smith added: “What the report says about workplace wellbeing could apply across every employer in the country. More than 13 million working days are lost due to stress-related illness each year.1 The report’s call for early intervention is spot-on. If someone does encounter problems, it is far better to identify and address them when they arise rather than wait until they become so severe that people have to take time off work.”
ENDS
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HSE data in Hansard written answer, 19 July 2009, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
For more information please contact the Foundation press office on 020 7803 1128/30
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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