Plaid AM marks ‘Time to Talk’ Day with call for improved mental health care for NHS staff

01/02/2018By: Rhys Hughes

Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Health Secretary Rhun ap Iorwerth has called for action to improve the mental health support available to NHS workers in Wales.

Recent figures suggests that around a quarter of the Welsh NHS workforce has suffered adverse effects to their health as a result of work-related stress.

Speaking on the occasion of Time to Talk Day 2018, Mr ap Iorwerth said:

“Time to Talk Day’s aim is to get people talking, listening and changing lives with respect to mental health issues.

“Everyone should feel comfortable to seek the support and care they need without the fear of stigma, which is why I’m giving this campaign my wholehearted support.”

Mr ap Iorwerth added:

“Our NHS is based on giving free care to everyone at the point of need. In order to do this, it’s necessary to be able to properly identify the point at which need occurs.

“Recent figures published in England showed that over 90,000 NHS staff had to take time off work with long term stress over the past three years.

“The NHS Wales Staff Survey 20161 suggested that between a quarter and a third of NHS staff have been injured or felt unwell as a result of work related stress.

“The Welsh Government should commission a review into the current prevalence of mental health issues and the support available and to look at what can be done to alleviate difficulties faced by staff at the earliest possible opportunity.

“It’s time to talk – but it’s also time for action.”