Doctors in Northern Ireland are at their lowest ever morale, compared to colleagues in England, Scotland and Wales. They have a tougher time in their overall work climate. This cutting-edge trend has caused increased conversations about the full mental health of healthcare workers in the area. One suicide in the profession every three weeks. At the same time, a nurse dies on the job each week, highlighting the need for swift change.
His work is vital to addressing this crisis. In the process, he became keenly attuned to the alarming prevalence of mental health issues experienced by HCWs, as well. He went on to describe this phenomenon as “common” in the profession. Once he learned about the disheartening statistics, he knew he had to do something. In response, Sidhu created a foundation focused on helping doctors and healthcare workers suffering from mental health crises.
Healthcare staff in Northern Ireland have faced years of overwork, contributing to what Dr. Alan Stout from the British Medical Association (BMA) describes as “higher than normal levels of fatigue or exhaustion.” For healthcare professionals in Northern Ireland, the situation is even more acute. They have worse experiences than the rest of their counterparts across the UK.
An organization dedicated to helping healthcare workers facing mental health issues has just broadened their approach. Now, its help is being extended to Northern Ireland! Though Mr. Stout was pleased to see this initiative, he stressed the need for more action. He added, “We have to do more,” calling for a specialized health service just for doctors across the territory.
On Wednesday, a memorial tree will be planted outside a GP surgery in north Belfast. This touching gesture will be a magnificent tribute to remember and reflect. This tree serves to memorialize healthcare workers who have died by suicide. It is a profoundly meaningful gesture of acknowledgment to many who have endured in silence.
Mr. Sidhu remarked on the grave reality facing healthcare professionals when he said, “One doctor takes their own life every three weeks, and a nurse every week.” These stats highlight how critical additional mental health support and resources are in the sector.
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