Thousands of NHS workers turn to COVID-19 mental health helpline
Volunteers offer psychological support and signpost staff to practical and financial help
More than 2,500 people have contacted a dedicated NHS staff mental health helpline for support during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to NHS England.
Figures obtained by Nursing Standard from NHS England show that 1,733 staff have contacted the helpline by phone and 836 via text since its launch in April.
New and growing challenges for NHS staff due to COVID-19
NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer
NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer said: ‘As the pandemic continues, our people will face new and growing challenges on a daily basis, and it’s therefore more important than ever that they are able to access resources to help them manage their well-being in a way that suits their needs.’
Volunteers offer psychological support and signpost staff to practical and financial help
More than 2,500 people have contacted a dedicated NHS staff mental health helpline for support during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to NHS England.
Figures obtained by Nursing Standard from NHS England show that 1,733 staff have contacted the helpline by phone and 836 via text since its launch in April.
New and growing challenges for NHS staff due to COVID-19
Danny Mortimer
NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer said: ‘As the pandemic continues, our people will face new and growing challenges on a daily basis, and it’s therefore more important than ever that they are able to access resources to help them manage their well-being in a way that suits their needs.’
The phone line 0300 131 7000 is open from 7am-11pm every day, while the text service, open 24 hours a day, is available by texting FRONTLINE to 85258.
Volunteers from charities such as Hospice UK and the Samaritans offer psychological support and signpost staff to services including practical and financial assistance, as well as specialist bereavement support.
‘Nurses need dedicated resources for their mental health’
When the service was introduced, RCN general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair said the professionalism and bravery of nursing staff had been on display during the pandemic but that pressure was taking its toll on an overstretched workforce.
‘Acknowledging that nurses need dedicated resources for their mental health is just the start, and we hope that staff in all parts of the UK will be able to benefit from this sort of support during this pandemic and in the future,’ she said.
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Health and wellbeing support for NHS staff
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