Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to mitigate the effect of burn-out among (a) NHS staff and (b) staff in the care sector as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government recognised at the start of the pandemic the need for enhanced wellbeing support for National Health Service and social care staff. NHS England and NHS Improvement have put in place a comprehensive emotional, psychological and practical support package for NHS staff. Wherever possible we have ensured the same offer is in place for all social care staff as is in place for their colleagues in the NHS.

‘We are the NHS: People Plan 2020/21’, published on 30 July 2020, is an important step forward in supporting the NHS workforce. It sets out a clear strategy for supporting the NHS workforce and requires employers to invest in physical health and wellbeing and make flexible working a priority.

We will continue to work closely with the adult social care sector to improve the occupational health offer for social care workers, support mental health interventions where needed, and ensure staff have access to practical support and advice.