Survey Highlights Winter Strain on NHS Staff

A recent survey suggests that NHS personnel anticipate missing holiday celebrations with friends and family due to seasonal pressures, including staff shortages, illness, and aggressive patient behavior. The study, commissioned by NHS Charities Together and involving 520 NHS workers, revealed that 51% of those surveyed identified December as their most stressful month. Dr. Radha Modgil, from Surrey, stated: “Pressure is always there but we really feel it around Christmas.” A spokesperson for the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) commented: “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.” Three out of five staff members surveyed indicated they were likely to miss a festive gathering with friends or family, while more than half expected to work additional shifts. The findings also showed that 46% of staff reported that the combined stress of personal and professional demands during Christmas negatively affected their mental health. Emma Winter, retention and wellbeing lead at Dartford-based Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, observed that increasing patient numbers and staff shortages in 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.” Ms. Winter, who has served the NHS for 20 years, noted that with the support of NHS Charities Together, the trust had seen improved employee engagement and reduced turnover and sickness. Modernized rest areas, virtual yoga sessions, a staff gym, and the provision of healthy foods have all been implemented. Dr. Modgil remarked: “I’ve had a few Christmases where I have been working. Pressure is always there but we really feel it around Christmas. She explained that conditions have been “really tricky and uncertain” over the past few years, expressing no surprise that NHS staff are “really feeling it.” However, she also added: “It can be a really rewarding time – people are really kind in A&E at Christmas.” The DHSC spokesperson further stated: “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.” For further updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.