NHS expands mental health support for staff

In response to one of the most difficult periods in the health service’s recent history, the NHS has announced an expansion to mental health support for staff - opening 40 dedicated support hubs across the country.

As part of the health service response to this pressure, staff will be offered access to evidence-based mental health services at one of 40 hubs.

Staff can access services over the phone, with onward referral to online and one-to-one expert help from qualified mental health clinicians, therapists, recovery workers and psychologists.

These mental health hubs will be free of charge and offer confidential advice and support to NHS staff, who have been under significant pressure over the past 12 months caring for coronavirus patients, while also keeping vital services like maternity, mental health and cancer care ongoing.

NHS staff will be encouraged to reach out directly for help, though the mental health hubs will also proactively contact staff groups who are most at-risk to offer them support, ensuring they get the care they need as quickly as possible.

The NHS’ National Mental Health Director, Claire Murdoch, said: “NHS staff are used to dealing with the extremes of life on a daily basis, but this year has been exceptional, and in what is likely to be the toughest year in their career, staff have put their minds and bodies to the limit treating hundreds of thousands of seriously ill-patients with Covid-19.

“So, it is vital that the people that played such a big role getting this country through the pandemic are given additional support.

“I would urge anyone working in the NHS whether you are a porter, a nurse, paramedic or other role to please ask for help from one of our 40 mental health support hubs as they open over the coming weeks.”