A dramatic rise in the number of NHS staff in Tayside taking time off work due to mental health problems is an issue that “needs to be addressed” according to Murdo Fraser MSP.
Data supplied by NHS Tayside to the Scottish Conservatives through Freedom of Information reveals that the number of staff off work because of mental health reasons increased from 1,681 in the 2022/23 financial year to 1,808 in the 2023/24 financial year and has already reached 979 up to August in the present 2024/25 financial year.
NHS Tayside has stated that the figures relate to mental health issues, which includes stress, anxiety, depression and other psychiatric illnesses. The health body also say that “it is important to acknowledge that like every other workplace, the pressures of life, whether at work or at home, can impact on mental health and wellbeing and it is recognised that these conditions may be influenced by a variety of factors and that no single cause may necessarily be identified.
“NHS Tayside is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone who works with us. Having a healthy and effective workforce is key to delivering high quality healthcare. Ensuring all staff are supported is a high priority for us and additional measures have been put in place to help our staff manage their mental health and wellbeing.”
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “These figures are very concerning and sum up the pressure being faced by many of our NHS workers in Tayside. We know that the SNP Government have not focused enough on helping the NHS in Scotland and this is taking its toll on the staff there.
“In April this year, the UNISON trade union published the results of a survey they had conducted which found that more than three in ten (31%) NHS employees have had to take time off work due to mental health issues in the past year, which is frankly shocking. Their survey, taken from 12,000 health workers across the UK - show the effects of burnout among employees and it indicated that many more could quit their jobs altogether.
“Panic attacks, high blood pressure, chest pains and headaches were among physical signs of stress reported by nurses, porters, 999 call handlers and other NHS staff who completed the survey. Some also said they experienced depression, low mood, sleepless nights and flashbacks.”
Mr Fraser continued: “It is time that the SNP Government woke up and realised that they need to address this serious issue – it has allowed it to get completely out of hand.
“I was pleased to read that NHS Tayside have introduced some measures designed to help staff, including providing ‘Rest, Relax and Recharge’ rooms where staff can relax and unwind, access to 24/7 counselling support, a staff wellbeing and support service, and a community listening service. However, we need to ask why so many NHS staff in Tayside are suffering from mental health issues, as this is a problem that has gone on for some time now.”
