Doctors in the South have stepped up to provide care for patients across the NHS and this has led to huge psychological strain for some staff.

Covid-19 has greatly exacerbated the issues staff faced before the pandemic and now it is adding significant new challenges.

Many doctors in the South have experienced a significant change in their working patterns and have had to deal with the added anxiety of concerns over PPE and their own safety while delivering care on the frontline during the pandemic.

A recent survey by the BMA found that 45% of doctors are suffering from work-related anxiety, burnout and depression, echoing the figure of 45% for doctors across England. 31% of these doctors say this has worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We are keen to ensure that staff are able to access the support they need, as well as able to have time away from work to allow them to reflect and recharge.

The NHS is working hard to provide mental health support to all staff in the South during and after this pandemic but, in some areas, resources are limited. Supporting the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of the workforce must be a top priority for the NHS for the long-term.

Dr Lucy-Jane Davis

BMA Regional Chair