As violence, discrimination and burnout continue to impact the wellbeing of NHS frontline staff, psychiatrists are urging the government to strengthen mental health support across the healthcare system
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Personnel Today
Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, has publicly called for greater investment and long-term funding to safeguard the psychological health of NHS workers, following new commitments from the Department of Health and Social Care to address workplace violence and improve working conditions.
Mounting Pressure on Frontline Staff
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the wellbeing of NHS staff, who continue to face high levels of stress, aggression and emotional exhaustion. A recent NHS staff survey found that over a quarter of NHS workers reported experiencing harassment, bullying or abuse from patients, their relatives, or the public within the last year. The situation is particularly severe in mental health services, where more than one in ten staff members reported being physically assaulted in the past 12 months.
Dr Smith highlighted the toll this violence takes – not only on physical safety, but on long-term mental health. She warned that repeated exposure to aggression, threats, or abuse can have lasting psychological consequences, undermining staff performance and directly impacting retention at a time when the NHS is already struggling with severe staffing shortages.
Government Measures: A Step Forward, But Not Enough
In early April, the DHSC announced a series of new measures aimed at tackling workplace violence and supporting NHS staff, including improved systems for reporting and preventing aggression. These pledges followed health secretary Wes Streeting’s broader commitment to improve career progression, working conditions, and wellbeing in the NHS.
Key elements of the government’s response include mandatory national reporting of violence against staff and in-depth analysis of incident data to assess whether specific groups – such as staff from minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, or job roles – face heightened risks. The goal is to provide trusts with the insight needed to better protect their most vulnerable employees.
Dr Smith welcomed these efforts as an important starting point, particularly in making incidents more visible and ensuring accountability. However, she emphasised that reactive measures are not enough. There must also be a proactive, sustained investment in supporting the mental wellbeing of NHS employees.
A Call for Ring-Fenced Mental Health Funding
To that end, the Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for a recurring national investment of £40 million, specifically ring-fenced for the mental health needs of NHS staff. This would enable the continuation of NHS mental health and wellbeing hubs, which have provided confidential, accessible psychological support for healthcare professionals since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Without such funding, these critical services face an uncertain future, leaving thousands of NHS workers without access to the dedicated support they need. Dr Smith made clear that protecting staff mental health is not a luxury – it is a necessity for maintaining patient care standards and sustaining the NHS workforce.
Addressing Racism and Discrimination in the NHS
In addition to violence, systemic issues such as racism and discrimination are taking a heavy toll on NHS staff morale and wellbeing. Dr Smith noted that many healthcare professionals, particularly those from minority backgrounds, experience discrimination on a regular basis, compounding stress and reducing engagement.
She called for healthcare provider organisations to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to racist behaviour and ensure that efforts to protect staff go beyond physical safety, extending to dignity, inclusion, and psychological security. According to the 2023 NHS Staff Survey, 45% of Black and minority ethnic staff reported experiencing discrimination at work – a figure that has remained stubbornly high in recent years.
Caring for the Carers
While the government’s recent commitments mark a step in the right direction, health leaders argue that more comprehensive support is urgently needed. The mental health of NHS workers should not be an afterthought – it is a foundational component of a functioning healthcare system.
As Dr Smith rightly stated, no healthcare professional should be expected to perform their duties in an environment marked by violence, abuse, or fear. Ensuring their safety and mental wellbeing is not only a moral obligation – it’s essential to delivering safe, effective care for patients across the UK.
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