A study conducted by Kings College London in nine UK hospitals in the summer of 2020 found that nearly half of intensive care staff reported symptoms of severe anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or other harmful effects. One in seven had thoughts of self-harming or being better off dead. This was before the devastating second wave that hit over the winter.
Throughout the pandemic, staff wellbeing has been a priority of the Whittington Health Charity. However, extensive programmes of specialist psychological support are required if they are to help staff recover from the emotional trauma caused by experiencing the effects of Covid-19 on a daily basis. This will include one-to-one therapy, group sessions and peer-to-peer support programmes.
£25 will fund an hours worth of support for an NHS frontline worker from our team of trained psychologists.