BPS response to NHS staff survey results

The society calls for the lessons of the pandemic to be learned to reduce this figure substantially over the next few years.

A rise in the number of staff experiencing stress is understandable as the NHS works in emergency mode during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the further increase from 40.3 to 44 per cent of staff experiencing work-related stress is the continuation of a long-term trend.

The likelihood of staff burnout is only going to increase as the effects of working through a pandemic become more apparent, and there is a particular risk of psychological difficulties for the 40.3 per cent who were experiencing stress before the pandemic.

Support for all staff, regardless of their current coping strategies during the pandemic, will need to be a central focus of the NHS's strategy for rebuilding after Coronavirus.

As a start to this process, we are pleased to see that the number of staff reporting positive action on wellbeing has increased from 29.3 to 33.4 per cent.

This is recognition of the good early work that the NHS is doing on staff support, and we would hope to see further improvement as new initiatives such as the recently launched staff wellbeing hubs take effect.

It is a low base to be starting from, with two thirds of staff still not reporting action on wellbeing. We need to see more psychologists involved in delivering wellbeing initiatives within NHS organisations as they have been within the new hubs.

Failure to address the potential impact of high stress levels and burnout risks erasing the progress on staff retention. We are pleased to see that the number of staff considering leaving the NHS has fallen to 26.5 per cent, but there is scope for this to improve further.

That the figure has fallen despite the pandemic is testament to the dedication of our healthcare staff and this loyalty must be recognised by continued improvements to the NHS staff support infrastructure.

A slight decrease in the number of staff feeling they are receiving adequate support and feedback from managers, as well as effective team working, is concerning, but may be a result of the difficult working conditions during the pandemic.

When the time comes for the NHS to learn the lessons of the pandemic and rebuild, these results show that the organisational culture needs to be a significant part of that journey and would put the NHS in a better place to effectively react to future emergencies.

To protect the future psychological wellbeing of frontline staff and access to services for those who need it most, we want psychologists involved at all levels. This will support the development of a psychologically healthy NHS by creating a more compassionate and supportive culture.