Psychiatrists are calling on the government for better mental health support to be provided for frontline NHS staff.
Dr Ladesmith, president of Royal College of Psychiatrists has made the call after a promise by Wes Streeting that he would do more to combat violence, improve the working life and enhance career advancement within the health service.
The Department of Health and Social Care announced a number of measures earlier this month, including better reporting and prevention of aggression and violence for NHS workers.
As part of the Government’s response, to a number of recommendations made under the Agenda for Change contract, further measures were taken to ensure that NHS workers receive the correct pay for the work required of them.
Dr Smith said that the College welcomed any efforts to prevent violence against NHS staff and improve reporting.
She said that healthcare professionals could not be expected to do their best work for patients in a hostile environment, where they are subjected to violence and threats.
In the past 12 months, more than 10% of mental health workers have experienced violence from the public at work. She added that in addition to the immediate physical harm, long-term psychological damage can also affect their ability and retention at work.
Dr Smith said that NHS staff should be able to receive “comprehensive mental health and well-being support” in addition to physical health care.
We are asking for funding at a national level of PS40m, which is specifically earmarked to support the mental health of NHS staff in England. She said that this would be sufficient to maintain the staff mental health hubs.
Staff are often affected by racism and discrimination, in addition to violence and aggression. Dr Smith said that we are asking healthcare providers to take a zero tolerance approach to racism.
According to NHS figures, one quarter of employees experienced harassment, bullying, or abuse within the last 12 months. Many incidents are not reported, which makes it difficult to tackle the problem.
The new measures are intended to encourage employees to report incidents of aggression or violence towards them and make it mandatory to collect the reports at a national scale.
The DHSC said that data will be analysed in order to determine if certain groups of staff – based on race, gender, disabilities or roles – are at disproportionate risk. This will allow trusts to better protect the most vulnerable employees.
Subscribe to our weekly HR news and guidance
Every Wednesday, receive the Personnel Today Direct newsletter.
Personnel Today offers HR opportunities in Healthcare
Browse for more job opportunities in Healthcare
