Winter pressures take toll on NHS staff - survey

Half the staff surveyed agreed December was the most stressful month for NHS staff

NHS staff expect to miss festive events with friends and family amid winter pressures such as staff shortages, sickness and abusive patient behaviour, a survey has suggested.

The research, commissioned by NHS Charities Together of 520 NHS workers, found 51% of those surveyed said December was the most stressful month for them.

Dr Radha Modgil, from Surrey, said: "Pressure is always there but we really feel it around Christmas."

A Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson said: “We know NHS staff have been overworked for years and we understand the significant concerns held by hardworking staff about the pressures they face this winter.”

'Burnout'

Three in five staff surveyed said they were likely to miss a festive gathering with friends or family while more than half said they were likely to work extra shifts.

It also found that 46% of staff said the dual pressure of personal and work demands over Christmas negatively impacted their mental health.

Emma Winter, retention and wellbeing lead at Dartford-based Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, said increasing patient numbers and staff shortages during winter were having a "profound impact" on staff mental health, with many experiencing burnout.

She added: "We’re introducing a number of measures to tackle this, from regular staff health checks to devising mental health prevention toolkits to support our workforce."

'Tricky and uncertain'

Ms Winter, who has worked for the NHS for 20 years, said with the help of NHS Charities Together the trust had seen improved employee engagement and reduced turnover and sickness.

Modernised rest areas, virtual yoga sessions, a staff gym and the provision of healthy foods had all been introduced.

Dr Modgil said: "I've had a few Christmases where I have been working. Pressure is always there but we really feel it around Christmas.

She said things have been "really tricky and uncertain" for the last few years and she is unsurprised NHS staff are "really feeling it".

However, she added: "It can be a really rewarding time - people are really kind in A&E at Christmas."

The DHSC spokesperson added: “The NHS offers staff a range of mental health support and we encourage any NHS worker struggling with their mental health to seek support from NHS occupational health services.”