How can we rely on stressed doctors?

I RECENTLY did a radio interview on the topic of NHS staff being off work with stress -related illnesses.

A FoI (Freedom of Information) request submitted to Welsh health boards showed that 3,027 NHS staff members have been off work with stress-related conditions such as anxiety, stress and depression in the first six months of 2017. This compares to 4,853 for the whole of 2016. While this number is high, unfortunately it comes as no surprise.

After I’d spoken and given my views, the show was opened up to a phone-in. One caller commented that doctors aren’t trained properly nowadays, while another fought the corner of doctors. His words were words BMA members will be very familiar with, as they form our strapline. He said that doctors need to be looked after if we want them to look after patients. He seemed baffled that anyone could hold a differing view. How can doctors possibly provide us with the service we expect when they themselves are under immense strain?

It’s a topic I’ve thought about a lot. Being a member of the BMA’s GP Committee, we continually hear from doctors who are faced with mounting pressures in their jobs; something I’ve also experienced myself as a GP. We’ll hear the argument that doctors should be able to recognise the symptoms of stress in themselves. I understand this logic – we’re diagnosticians. However, the type of person who chooses to pursue a career in medicine is someone who continually strives for the best for their patients. Most doctors work long hours and meet the demanding nature of the role, often to their personal detriment. They would be very reluctant to leave their colleagues with a gap in the rota and put them under further pressure by going off sick.

It’s a problem faced in all the health boards in Wales and the UK.

So what’s the answer? There is no one answer but it’s important that we offer solutions to try to tackle the problem. BMA Cymru Wales has called for a full occupational health service for all NHS staff. However, without also targeting the core problem, this would simply act as a sticking plaster.

We need to address resourcing issues, ensuring that recruitment and retention problems are tackled and that those keeping our vital NHS running are supported and have the tools they need to do their jobs well.

The gentleman who called into the show said that he felt guilty about visiting his GP, as he could see how busy the doctors and nurses were, and this made him think twice about booking an appointment.

As sad as the situation is, the system isn’t what it once was, but our NHS should be able to provide for those who really need it. Years ago, patients would book in to see their GP whenever they felt the need.

Today, we continue to see stories in the media of surgeries with queues coming out of the door, with the sick unable to get an appointment for weeks.

A level of self-education is needed until things start to change, whereby patients ask themselves, “Do I really need to see my GP?” But ultimately a fundamental change is needed.

I’m lucky enough not to have become ill solely due to work pressure, however I sincerely hope that if I found myself in such a position, there would be a light at the end of the tunnel.