Workers Revolutionary Party - NHS STAFF FACE 'INTENSE STRESS LEVELS'

The News Line: News Wednesday, 21 March 2012 NHS STAFF FACE 'INTENSE STRESS LEVELS'

Unison members outside Parliament yesterday afternoon showing their determination to save the NHS

THE just published Unison NHS staff survey reveals the increased levels of stress being heaped on staff by a combination of government cuts, the Health and Social Care Bill and the continuing pay freeze’ said Christina McAnea, Unison Head of Health yesterday.

The survey also shows Community Services struggling as the focus is shifting away from acute services towards healthcare in the community.

The union is also calling for more action and increased prosecutions to counteract the rising levels of violence and harassment affecting staff.

Christina McAnea, went on to say: ‘The staff survey reflects some of the pressures felt by staff, but our own survey painted a much bleaker picture.

Unison’s survey showed that 85% experienced an increase in workload and 83% suffered an increase in stress over the past year.

‘The increase in workload is not a coincidence, it is down to cuts in staffing and to a lack of cover for staff on sick or on leave. And it is not just staff who suffer – the increase in workload and stress is felt by patients and by workers’ families.’

‘Unison has warned that moving healthcare away from acute care and into the community must be backed by increasing resources to take up the extra demand.

‘The survey shows a worrying combination of increasing levels of stress and a drop in the quality of patient care that community staff feel they are able to deliver.

‘Violence and harassment should have no place in our NHS and it is a disgrace that nurses, paramedics and other NHS staff should be threatened going about their work trying to help the sick and injured.

‘It is time that a clear message was sent to those members of the public that attack NHS workers. They will be prosecuted and if found guilty they should receivetough sentences.

‘Despite the heavy workload staff should be congratulated for high levels of patient satisfaction.’