More 'should be done' to support mental health of NHS staff in Hertfordshire
A memorial tree was planted for healthcare professionals who lost their lives to suicide
A memorial tree has been planted at Watford General Hospital to honour healthcare workers who have tragically lost their lives to suicide.
It is part of an effort to raise awareness about the mental health struggles within the NHS, and the emotional toll the profession can take.
Kelly McGovern, Chief Nurse at West Herts NHS Hospitals Trust, said: "This help us to look back and reflect on the lives we've lost prematurely.
"It really helps us to think about what more we can do with our colleagues, with our family, friends, each other.
"We just need to try and support each other throughout the NHS, throughout everything."
Ms McGovern highlighted the stark statistics surrounding suicide rates among healthcare workers, with one nurse every week and one doctor every three weeks losing their life to suicide.
Between the long-term impact of the COVID pandemic, the overall pressures on the NHS, and the grief and bereavement care staff carry through their work, many are leaving their mental health behind.
Amandeep Sidhu founded Doctors in Distress in 2019, a charity helping healthcare professionals navigate the mental health challenges that come with their work, following the tragic death of his brother, Dr. Jagdeep Sidhu, a consultant cardiologist who took his own life due to work pressures and burnout.
Speaking at the memorial, he said: "The charity Doctors in Distress is there to protect the mental health of not just doctors but the entire NHS workforce.
"Healthcare workers need an independent place where they can go and offload the emotional impact of their work", adding that, like everyone else, they "are subject to the same pressures and emotions."
The impact of the emotional burden carried by healthcare professionals can also come with an early start in the career, like Ms McGovern explained, having started at the age of 18, often dealing with challenges from a young age.
She said: "The maturity is not there, and I'm dealing with families, bereavement, grief."
Mr Sidhu pointed out that while progress is being made, much more needs to be done.
He said: "To have the support of Watford General is a real step forward, but there certainly is a lot more to do."
What does the Government say?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
"Lord Darzi’s report revealed that too many staff are working under unacceptable pressure, and morale is low.
"The NHS is broken, but it’s not beaten, and this government will work with staff to turn this around and improve conditions for our highly skilled and committed workforce.
"It will take time, but we will rebuild our NHS together.
"We encourage any NHS worker struggling with their mental health to seek support from NHS occupational health services."