Mental health is one of the most significant challenges for the UK and the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on NHS workers in particular. A recent University of Roehampton study, which polled 2,773 personnel from 52 NHS institutions at various levels immediately after the pandemic's first peak in April and May 2020, revealed a 300% increase in those suffering from the highest levels of stress, anxiety and depression during the first wave of Covid-19, compared to before the pandemic. In addition, ethnic minority health workers were 50% more likely than non-ethnic minority colleagues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders

According to the 2020 NHS Workers Survey, nearly half of NHS staff in England (44%) reported feeling ill as a result of work-related stress, the highest rate in the past five years. Furthermore, about a third of employees said they were considering quitting their jobs, and a fifth said they were considering leaving the health care entirely.

Other alarming findings included the fact that only 69% of minority ethnic employees believed their company provided equal opportunity, compared to 87% of white employees. Although just 13% of employees claimed to have been discriminated against at work, ethnicity remained the most common reason stated by 48% of those who claimed to have been discriminated against.

In October 2020, NHS England and NHS Improvement invested an additional £15 million to provide mental health support for healthcare workers. In February 2021, as part of the health service response to the need for mental health NHS worker support, it was announced that staff will be offered access to evidence-based mental health services at one of 40 dedicated support hubs.

This event will address the most pressing issues for the mental health and wellbeing of NHS staff that have emerged as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The event will discuss the means of supporting NHS staff by providing, health, wellbeing and hardship support, assessing effective safety and wellness policies and protocols, and making sure that NHS workers have the technology and capability to access learning.

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