COVID: THE UNSEEN IMPACT
As I write this, NE England restrictions have re-started in accordance with the new buzz word of “circuit breaker. Tighter rules are being considered nationwide, cases are rising again, testing is struggling, patients may have to phone 111 before being allowed to attend A&E and our frontline staff is holding their breath for a potential second wave as winter approaches. This week also saw general practice taking an unfair and unfounded bashing about face-to-face consultations- which we have been doing all through the lockdown. The actual science behind the COVID-19 pandemic is ever-changing and we are learning every week it seems. By the time this article is published- it may have all changed again. So what now? It was inevitable as lockdown eased this would happen. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and there will be questions that need answering plus we must have a public inquiry. But now isn’t the time- now we need to all focus on getting through this calmly and with lessons learned. We can not make the same mistakes again. We need to be assured we have sufficient PPE, enough ventilators, a functioning track and trace and isolate system plus a robust testing service. We need to ensure there is enough staff who are well enough to work- mentally and physically. Plus they need to have priority access to testing with a streamlined, efficient reporting process. Systems need to be in place in the NHS to ensure that all other patient services continue safely and no one falls through the net in the panic of COVID-19. Oh, and a much-needed pay rise for frontline staff.
What I am really concerned about is the impact this is having on key workers’ mental health. I am seeing a number of my colleagues broken, burnt out, exhausted, and scared. PTSD, depression, and anxiety are rising amongst frontline staff and the effect of this will be felt even after this pandemic is finally over. Who is looking after them while they battle on to take care of the nation? Clapping and the outpouring of public kindness was lovely but now we need proper support. An article in HSM in September looked at a survey into the mental health of frontline staff and healthcare professionals. It revealed that 66% felt there is not enough workplace support for them. It reports frontline staff has been faced with what is termed moral injury, where they have been asked to make decisions that conflict with their moral code around who should live or who should die. It has been harrowing. We don’t need a website, a badge, or an app- we need immediate investment into workforce mental health support.
A report by the BMA “The mental health and wellbeing of the medical workforce – now and beyond COVID-19” has called for:
1. Supporting the mental and physical health of doctors and staff must be a top priority
2. There should be an equal provision of wellbeing support services for all doctors
3. Health and wellbeing issues need to be monitored to ensure interventions are effective
4. Wellbeing support must be inclusive, accessible, and meet the needs of users
5. Occupational health services should be accessible to all and have a capacity to provide timely support
6. Staff presenting with significant mental health conditions must be able to access appropriate treatment
7. Workplaces should actively encourage peer support and mentoring to ensure doctors have a safe space for reflection
8. The process for taking sickness absence and returning to work should be as smooth as possible to reduce additional stress
9. Staff who need to take time off or would like to work flexibly should be supported
10. The NHS should be proactive in preventing suicide of NHS staff and supporting those who are bereaved
So to all out there, please take care and look after yourself. Our Frontline offers round-the-clock, one-to-one support, along with a collection of resources, tips, and ideas curated to support your mental health. To talk via text, text FRONTLINE to 85258 any time. To talk by phone for free, call 0800 069 6222 from 7 am to 11 pm if you’re in England, or call 116 123 any time if you’re elsewhere in the UK.
Self-care tips
· Make sure you are getting your news from trusted sources.
· Limit your exposure to social media if you find it is heightening your anxiety.
· Take measures for self-care, sleep hygiene, healthy routine, and adequate rest. You may find yourself working longer hours or more shifts so take care of your physical health as best you can.
· Stay connected to family and friends by phone, email, or video calls.
· Do not put yourself at risk and speak up if you feel unsafe.
