Thread by @DrRosena

CARE FOR CARERS:
Today, we're launching our proposal to set up a mental health support service for all health and care staff. It'll give more than 3 million staff access to a fast-tracked system.

Let me explain why...

Throughout this pandemic, frontline NHS and care staff have been in an unenviable position – they have been fearful of going to work, redeployed to new, unfamiliar departments and have lost patients – they have also lost colleagues.

Stress is believed to account for over 30% of all NHS staff absences. 56% of carers feel emotionally exhausted. If sickness absence was reduced by just one day per person per year, it would save the NHS £150m a year.

This is why 'Care For Carers' is necessary.

I spoke with @GMB_Union frontline reps, describing their experiences. Stress over a lack of PPE, anxiety from not being tested, the worry of infecting vulnerable family members when returning home, and the trauma caused from losing friends/colleagues.

What I heard was harrowing.

The stories I heard from those @GMB_Union reps, spurred me on to look for a solution.

I then held conversations with @UniteTheUnion @UnisonTheUnion @TheBMA and @theRCN to gather their expert opinion and see what their members wanted.

What does it look like?
Stage 1: Hotline: 24-hours - staffed by trained professionals a text service and safe spaces to talk.
Stage 2: Assessment: With a medical professional.
Stage 3: Treatment: e.g therapy sessions.
Stage 4: Referral to specialist treatment (if required).

I want this service to be available for every health and care worker, there are over 3 million of them who will benefit from this. Subcontracted or not, part-time or full-time, hospital manager or porter – there should not be a two-tier system. Everyone’s mental health matters.

We’ll also create a National Wellbeing Lead, who sits independently and is responsible for implementing policies across the workforce with staff wellbeing in mind. Currently, staff mental health is split across too many areas for anyone to be wholly responsible.

You can read the full proposal here: drrosena.co.uk/news/care-for-…

Here's what the GMB say: gmb.org.uk/news/gmb-backs…

Here's what UNISON say:
unison.org.uk/news/2020/06/m…

Here's what the BMA say: bma.org.uk/news-and-opini…

Finally, I want to work with the Government to make it work. This will benefit the carers who we all clapped for on Thursday evenings. I hope the Govt will look carefully and meet with me. @NadineDorries @MattHancock @Helen_Whately – I’m available to meet, anytime.