The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom has seen its staff overworked and under immense pressure for several years, particularly since the pandemic. In an effort to address these challenges, NHS workers have turned to various coping strategies to manage stress and maintain their mental health. Among these strategies, journaling and mental health training have proven beneficial for individuals like Ms. Cielito Canejo.
Ms. Canejo, who has been part of the NHS workforce, found solace in journaling, which has significantly aided her mental health. Additionally, she became a mental health first aid instructor, a move that not only helped her cope but also allowed her to support her colleagues. "You have moments when you're human and feel overwhelmed," she shared. "My way of coping is to take a deep breath, and if I have a chance, go for a 30-second break outside, come back in, then smile again."
Despite these personal efforts, the NHS continues to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic. Dr. Chaand Nagpaul, a north London GP and co-chair of the charity Doctors in Distress, highlighted that the NHS has not recovered fully since the pandemic. "We worked through the pandemic, serving the nation, and we've had no recovery," he stated. Dr. Nagpaul's area is one of the most challenging, with one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios in the country.
To support staff well-being, the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust has implemented several initiatives. The Trust runs an in-house psychology service and offers on-site exercise sessions to assist employees in managing stress. These efforts are crucial as London reportedly scored worst in work pressure among NHS locations.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the long-standing challenges faced by NHS workers. A spokesperson stated, "NHS staff have been overworked for years." They further emphasized that a "Plan for Change" is underway to equip staff with necessary tools to provide optimal patient care.
An NHS London spokesperson commented on the dedication of the staff: "incredibly hard to meet rising demand and care for more patients than ever before." They reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting its staff: "the NHS is fully committed to ensuring staff get the support they need."
Leave a Reply