17th March 2020; The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
The NHS loses 348,028 working days due to anxiety, stress and depression in just one month. According to research conducted by RAND Europe 85% of NHS staff felt that their health and wellbeing impacts upon patient care. Estimates from Public Health England put the cost of staff absence due to poor health at £2.4bn per year – accounting for around £1 in every £40 of the total budget. Following last year’s Delivering the NHS Long Term Plan conference, Open Forum will produce the first in a series of national policy conferences reviewing initiatives designed to assess NHS organisations against new frameworks and develop best practices as well as supporting staff with individual mental health and wellbeing issues.
The government has pledged an overhaul of mental health and wellbeing support for NHS staff. The new workforce implementation plan draws on recommendations that will be discussed as part of the conference programme, including:
- Post-incident support and fast-tracked mental health referrals for NHS staff.
- Upgrading rest and social spaces for on-call staff and trainees, providing improved shower facilities, refreshments and security.
- Ensuring line managers have training and support to assist staff who disclose a mental health issue, as well as raising awareness amongst staff of the signs and symptoms of poor MH.
- A dedicated, confidential mental health support service operating 24/7
More information and links to apply can be found here