This site is intended for UK healthcare professionals
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
News

One in three anaesthetists suffering mental ill-health caused by pandemic

A snap survey conducted by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) has shown the extent of the mental health crisis gripping NHS staff.

The View from the frontline of anaesthesia during COVID-19, July 2020 survey results raise concerns. Survey respondents said they were exhausted and burnt out, with some suffering from extreme stress.

Thirty-four per cent of respondents reported poor or very poor mental health caused by the pandemic and 18 per cent were considering leaving medicine altogether. More than a third (39%) said they are planning on cutting back on hours once normal services resume.

But there were positive signs: 70 per cent of members said working during the pandemic had increased their sense of teamworking, and 35 per cent felt more valued in their roles.

Responding to these figures Professor Ravi Mahajan, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists said: “Many of our members are being exposed to traumatic situations daily. They are mentally and physically exhausted. With 18 per cent of all survey respondents considering leaving medicine and 40 per cent cutting back hours post-pandemic, I have real concerns the healthcare service will not be able to function safely and effectively.

This week the College launched its Anaesthesia - Fit for the Future campaign, aimed at addressing some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the specialty over the next three years, especially around workforce retention.  


References


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE