Tree planted for health workers who have died

The tree was planted in the garden of Glenfield Hospital to mark the first annual National Suicide Memorial Day

A memorial tree has been placed at a Leicester hospital as part of a campaign to remember healthcare workers who have died by suicide.

The tree was planted at Glenfield Hospital on Tuesday, marking the first National Suicide Memorial Day, launched by Doctors in Distress and NHS Practitioner Health.

University Hospitals of Leicester is one of five NHS organisations across the UK to plant a tree or install a plaque as part of the programme.

According to the Office for National Statistics, 2,500 healthcare workers have died by suicide since 2011, which is equivalent to four healthcare workers every week.

Ann Paul says the tree is a symbol that reminds people to check on their colleagues

Amandip Sidhu founded Doctors in Distress in 2019 after the death of his brother Jagdip Sidhu by suicide.

The charity runs free confidential support groups for all healthcare workers and campaigns to raise awareness of mental health.

He said: "For those healthcare workers who have died by suicide, this memorial day is an opportunity for those loved ones left behind to reflect.

"The reflection is centred around the injustice that a system they worked hard in for the benefit of their patients ultimately failed them."

Ann Paul, CEO of Doctors in Distress, explained that the tree-planting is inspired by Adam Kay's book and TV series This Is Going To Hurt.

She said: "The memorial day is a way of reminding us all that far too many health workers have taken their own lives and the trend is continuing and unfortunately it is continuing upwards."

Dr Helen Garr describes the number of healthcare workers who have taken their own life as "staggering"

Dr Helen Garr, medical director at NHS Practitioner Health, said: "This project is really dear to my heart.

"For many years now I’ve been aware both personally and professionally of healthcare professionals who have died by suicide."

Dr Garr said often health and care workers look after themselves last and feel like they have to be a superhero.

She added: "We know the stigma and shame that surround being mentally unwell or having suicidal thoughts when you are working in health, and social care is absolutely huge and that makes it difficult for people to speak up and to seek the help that they need."

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