HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE FACILITIES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Who is looking after the mental health and wellbeing of our
healthcare professionals asks Louise Hosking, IOSH Vice-President and MD of Hosking Associates?
When we fall down, when we become ill or need support we look to care professionals who work tirelessly to support the community they serve. But, can their work affect them?
One in four of us will suffer from a mental health illness at some point in our lives which makes it a foreseeable risk. Managing stress and anxiety is a complex area and not just influenced by work alone. “Thriving at work”, an independent review published in October 2017, made it clear more is expected from employers to look at sickness absence related to mental health and to manage it well - offering the right support.
A recent survey by Nursing Journal found three-quarters of nurses said they do not have time to take a break during one or two shifts every week. More than half said they are unable to have a drink of water. More than 2000 nurses responded to the survey, and described a culture of excess workloads, hunger and dehydration. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Chief Executive, Janet Davies spoke passionately at their recent
“If we can prevent mental
ill-health we can truly make a difference to individuals, their families and wider networks.”
congress to say nursing is “on the brink” - we know as occupational safety and health (OSH) practitioners this puts staff and others at risk.
Healthcare professionals who care for others at the end of their lives need unique support if they are to stay mentally well. We should remember support staff who bond with the people they care for too. I have been privileged to work with an organisation such as this. Everyone, including office-based staff, maintenance crews and facilities managers receive training in recognising when either themselves or a colleague might need support.
A second tier of support enables these people to then talk through issues when they need to. In the healthcare profession, this is referred to as supervision, in other sectors mental health first aiders are being introduced which creates an environment of support. One comment made, which I have listened to, is not to over process this or try to create formal procedures which can put people off talking at a time when they really need to. It’s important for individuals to access support informally so they feel comfortable to share.
External support is essential too. Healthcare professionals may have to deal with deeply traumatic events which could affect whole teams. In this situation, having an organisation or specialist team available to provide counselling to a number of people at short notice is critical.
I have been asked why we as OSH professionals are looking at mental health now? I believe if we do not approach mental health, in the same manner, as we do other risks, physical harm results. Recovering from severe mental health conditions takes significant support and time. So, if we can prevent mental ill-health we can truly make a difference to individuals, their families and wider networks. If a person is not mentally healthy they are more likely to make mistakes which can lead to harm to themselves, or to others.
The “Thriving at work” report made some sound recommendations for employers. For example, employees should have access to good work which contributes positively to their mental health; everyone should have the knowledge, confidence and tools to understand how to take care of their own mental health and that of those around them; all organisations should be equipped with awareness and tools to not only address mental ill-health but prevent it; and everyone should know how to access support.
Isn’t it time we all stepped up to look out for the people who are there to care for us too?
www.hosking-associates.com 60 | TOMORROW’S FM
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