Justin Madders responds to the publication of the NHS People Plan

Thursday, 30 July 2020 12:36

Commenting on the publication of the NHS People Plan, Justin Madders MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, said: “Ministers have outlined some worthy commitments on staff wellbeing, but without extra funding staff will continue to be overstretched and overworked. “The Government promised a full five-year People Plan with detailed, costed action. This falls a long way short of that. “The covid-19 pandemic has shown just how valuable and loved NHS staff are – it’s...Request free trial

Commenting on the publication of the NHS People Plan, Justin Madders MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, said:

“Ministers have outlined some worthy commitments on staff wellbeing, but without extra funding staff will continue to be overstretched and overworked.

“The Government promised a full five-year People Plan with detailed, costed action. This falls a long way short of that.

“The covid-19 pandemic has shown just how valuable and loved NHS staff are – it’s time the Government put together a proper solution for recruitment and retention, including the pay talks that NHS workers deserve. The rhetoric on support for NHS staff needs to be matched with action”

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. Labour called for a ‘Care for Carers’ package to be introduced to provide comprehensive mental health support for all NHS and care workers.

It was announced Monday 29 June 2020 and can be found here: http://labour.org.uk/careforcarers

Press release: (https://labour.org.uk/press/care-for-carers-package-needed-to-support-mental-health-of-3-million-nhs-and-care-staff/)

Labour's Care for Carers package includes:

· Stage 1: National hotline widely advertised and accessible to all staff, open 24/7, operated by paid staff. It would have a low threshold, would provide general advice and empathetic listening. Then there would be an option for specialist assessment where required, moving to stage 2.

· Stage 2: Follow-up support, specialist assessments by mental health professionals, referrals to psychological support and unlimited telephone support. Option to move to stage 3.

· Stage 3: Intervention and treatment, including fast access to group or psychological therapies, including specialised PTSD support. This could include psychotherapy, group therapy, telephone therapies, case management and prescriptions. Option to move to stage 4.

· Stage 4: Follow up and sign-posted to external services, if necessary, including alcohol and addiction services. A centralised secure process ensures patient follow-up can be enacted upon and can be directed to further assessment services.