GMB calls for action in the Prime Minister’s speech today as union reveals more than half of health workers who contracted coronavirus said it had either had some negative or a severe medical impact on their mental health
GMB union has demanded the Prime Minister produce an NHS worker recovery plan after a poll revealed the majority of those who contract covid were experiencing poor mental health.
The survey, of more than 3,000 health workers in roles across the NHS, revealed 60% of those who had contracted the virus said that the experience had either some negative impact or a severe negative impact on their mental health.
Our NHS members are telling us about the terrible toll of working flat out on the frontline during this pandemic and the severe impacts catching covid has on their mental health. Now they need Ministers to look after them.
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Officer
In total, 30% of those surveyed said they had caught the coronavirus with almost 60% saying they passed it to a family member.
Workers describe experiencing seizures, shock, emotional damage and a lack of mental health support.
As the Prime Minister delivers his roadmap out of lockdown today GMB calls on him to outline a recovery plan for NHS workers.
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Officer, said:
“Our NHS members are telling us about the terrible toll of working flat out on the frontline during this pandemic and the severe impacts catching covid has on their mental health.
“These are the people who have been saving lives throughout the pandemic. Now they need Ministers to look after them.
“Today, the Prime Minister unveils his roadmap out of lockdown. We call on him to outline a plan to help our beleaguered health workers recover from this pandemic.”
