BPS welcomes independent review of the NHS
The BPS supports the announcement of an independent review of NHS performance.
11 July 2024
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting MP has today announced an independent review of NHS performance.
Welcoming the news, Dr Roman Raczka, President-Elect of the British Psychological Society said:
"We welcome the announcement of an independent review of the NHS, which for too long has been operating under unprecedented, but well documented pressure. It is vital this review considers the toll this has taken on the mental health and wellbeing of its workforce.
"The NHS can only thrive, and patients can only access the services and care they need, if we have a 'well' workforce. We hope this review will help pave the way to a healthier NHS for both patients and staff.
"We know that staff need support now, with NHS data revealing that more than six million days have been taken off sick by staff for mental health reasons in the past eleven months alone. The NHS staff survey paints an equally grim picture of a stressed, burnt out and demoralised workforce. Therefore, the government must not wait until the findings of this review are published to act.
"With the closure or pending closure, of many NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, high quality psychological support for staff is now sadly a postcode lottery. We must also not forget the plight of social care staff, many whom have been left with no access to support as demand and pressures grow. It is imperative that the NHS England review of staff mental health services, promised before the general election, continues alongside this wider review, as a matter of priority.
"Mental health support for staff in health and social care settings is needed now more than ever and an NHS that is "fit for the future" requires staff wellbeing at its core. We look forward to working with the government and the NHS to help make this a reality."