More than 700,000 nursing days lost due to mental health since 2020
In recent years, there has been a concerning trend of over 700,000 nursing and midwifery staff days being lost due to mental ill health since 2020, as per figures obtained by the Scottish Lib Dems. Data from Freedom of Information requests revealed that a total of 762,975 days were lost across the 14 territorial health boards. NHS Lanarkshire recorded the highest total for 2023/24, with 24,342 days lost.
Earlier this year, a survey conducted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland highlighted that 91 per cent of nurses reported financial pressures affecting their mental health. Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton emphasized the need for the government to address burnout within the workforce. He criticised the government’s NHS Recovery Plan, stating that it is failing staff, patients, and services daily.
The Scottish Government responded by stating that specialised mental health support is in place for nurses and midwives, along with a national wellbeing hub. A government spokesperson expressed a commitment to understanding the challenges faced by nursing and midwifery staff. The nursing and midwifery taskforce is poised to recommend actions based on staff feedback to enhance workplace culture, flexibility, recruitment, and retention.
As the demand for quality healthcare services continues to rise, it is crucial to address the mental health challenges faced by essential healthcare workers such as nurses and midwives. With the impact of stress and burnout on patient care, the wellbeing and support of nursing staff must be a priority. By recognising and actively addressing the mental health needs of healthcare workers, we can ensure a sustainable and resilient healthcare system for the benefit of both staff and patients.