McGrath Says Health Department Must Put Measures in Place for Mental Health Staff.
SDLP Health Committee member Colin McGrath MLA has said called on the Department of Health to put in places measures to help staff and the expected surge of volunteers to manage their mental health.
Colin McGrath MLA said: “We are in uncharted waters and in unprecedented times and the response from the Executive and departments needs to reflect this. There has been a huge effort from officials and most especially staff and this has been impressive.
“This was overwhelmingly acknowledged last night with tens of thousands of people taking to their door steps to applaud the work of our NHS staff.
“Officials have briefed committee members that there is a surge of cases on its way and even the Prime Minister has contracted this virus. With so many to be impacted in the days and weeks ahead the role, work and effort of the health service staff will be gruelling. The decisions they will have to take and the scenes they will undoubtedly be exposed to will be chilling.
“I am calling on the Department to put in place adequate services to assist staff who may need help as a result of their work and what they see. There may be very traumatic experiences ahead for our brave health sector workers and I think it appropriate that we prepare now to manage those that will need help at times. Such services will be a human touch that the department can give to their staff.
“NHS staff are stepping up for us as a community now in our hour of need. I want us to do all we can to be there for them should their hour of need arrive.
“It is important that staff know they have our backing.”
