Suffolk NHS boss warns staff may be at risk of burnout
He says they've invested £500million in wellbeing and mental health support.
Last updated 10th Jun 2021
The effects of the pandemic could be putting some Suffolk NHS workers at risk of burnout.
That's according to the Chief Executive of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Ipswich Hospital.
They've invested half a million pounds to support those most affected with their mental health and wellbeing.
Nick Hulme is their Chief Executive:
"Some areas - particularly the wards ICU and some other areas - were disproportionately affected and were under huge pressure for several months.
"There will be a degree of healing and recovery that those staff will need.
"We have invested half a million pounds this year in additional wellbeing and support - particularly towards the mental health of our staff.
"We are mindful of their need to have a break have some time off, but a lot of staff are telling me the best way that they want to heal is to get back to the work they love doing."
He also addressed the long wait times that have been experienced by some patients:
"I'm not saying that we're pushing everyone to 110% capacity. We are being very mindful about how we support people on that journey of recovery, and also recognising that the waiting lists are incredibly long and we've got to find a way of tackling that."