Mental health service launched for health and care staff in Sussex
A survey of health and care staff across Sussex found that over 60% have found their work both highly stressful and tiring over the last 6 months
A new mental health service has launched for health and care staff across Sussex, who may be struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Staff in Mind is an NHS service for health and care staff, who are possibly experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties while providing support to local communities during the pandemic.
It's been developed by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of Sussex Health and Care Partnership and funded by NHS England and Improvement.
Dr Juliet Couche, psychologist and clinical director of Staff in Mind, said:
“Health and care staff are consistently going above and beyond whilst caring for patients during Covid-19. They are working under huge, sustained pressure and are doing an incredible job. But they are not superheroes, they are human.
“In order to help staff continue caring for the local communities we serve, we need to look after their mental health and wellbeing. An important part of this is encouraging them to seek psychological and emotional support when they need it.
"Staff in Mind is for every health and care staff member across Sussex, from Intensive Care Unit nurse to hospital porter.”
A recent survey of 900 health and care staff across Sussex found that most (over 60%) have found their work both highly stressful and tiring over the last 6 months, and a third of this group (20% overall) reported feeling very stressed and tired.
The service is also available for staff employed by Sussex Partnership who work within Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).