NHS Workforce: Mental Health

Lord Bishop of St Albans Excerpts

Thursday 17th May 2018 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Manzoor]

My noble friend raises an important point. It is important that patients attempt to keep their appointments, but of course there are sometimes reasons that one cannot. To come back to the workforce and the mental health of GPs, we are setting up an NHS helpline for GPs themselves to help and support them in caring for their health and well-being.

[The Lord Bishop of St Albans]

My Lords, what assessment have Her Majesty’s Government made of the impact and contribution that NHS chaplains make to the mental health of their colleagues?

[Baroness Manzoor]

The right reverend Prelate makes a good point. I know from my own experience of working in the NHS that chaplains play a vital and key role in helping support not only patients but staff when they are doing their duties and need that support.