14.02.11
More NHS staff taking time off for stress and related problems
Figures show that the number of NHS staff taking time off due to stress or related health problems at four of Wales’ health boards has increased as much as 40% in the last two years.
Hywel Dda and Betsi Cadwaladr reported the largest rises – 40% and 34% in two years – while in Powys the number fell by 38%. Cwm Taf Health Board said the proportion of staff taking stress-related sick leave rose from 0.98% to 1.41% over the same period.
Shadow health minister Darren Millar said the figures were a “worrying reflection of the burdens placed on NHS staff” and questioned plans by the Welsh Government to cut money from the health budget when more staff were suffering from stress.
He said: “In this coming financial year alone, Labour is cutting over £80m pounds from the health budget. This at a time when waiting list targets are not being met, vacancies are not being filled and cancelled operations are on the rise.
“Stress in any workplace is unhealthy and harmful. I would expect the health minister to speak to health boards that have seen a rise in this problem and learn lessons from those that have not.”
Dr David Bailey, deputy chair of the BMA’s Welsh Council, also voiced concern. He said: “The practice of medicine is inherently stressful, therefore having a pleasant working environment, adequate staffing levels and adequate resources are essential to delivering high quality services and care to patients.
“Work related stress is a problem for the employee and employer and both should work together to address the contributory issues.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said the health and welfare of NHS staff was of “paramount importance” to the Welsh government, and explained that the Government had invested in health programmes in an attempt to reduce stress
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